Ryan Hyeong Woo Noh, Chief Business Officer (CBO) of HYBE AMERICA
HYBE AMERICA has formally launched HYBE LABEL SERVICE (HLS), a services unit the company says has been “specifically designed to bolster the growth of its artists in international markets”.
HLS will provide what it calls “enhanced support” for artists and labels across distribution, manufacturing, and marketing&promotion (M&P) services worldwide.
To lead HLS, Los Angeles-based Ryan Hyeong Woo Noh has been promoted to Chief Business Officer (CBO) of HYBE AMERICA, having previously served as Chief Strategy Officer of HYBE’s US division.
According to HYBE, since joining in 2022, Noh has played a pivotal role as CSO and President of HYBE LABEL SERVICE, and was tasked with establishing what the company calls “its first global organization dedicated to distribution and marketing partnerships”.
A HYBE spokesperson confirmed that HLS is working on those partnerships with both HYBE artists, as well as independent artists and labels.
The official launch of HLS for both US and global artists represents the execution of HYBE’s previously announced strategy to enter the label services space, first revealed as part of the company’s HYBE 2.0 restructuring under CEO Jason Jaesang Lee last year.
The move positions HYBE to compete directly with established players in the increasingly competitive independent distribution and services sector.
HYBE describes HLS as “an integrated, single support center for all HYBE labels and their artists, streamlining essential services for maximized global reach”.
HLS consists of two divisions: Global Distribution and Global M&P (Marketing & Promotion).
The company has made two major executive appointments to lead these divisions, both reporting directly to Ryan Hyeong Woo Noh.
Mike Rittberg, formerly Chief Operations Officer of HYBE AMERICA subsidiary Big Machine Label Group, has been appointed as President of Global Distribution.
As President of Global Distribution, Rittberg will oversee strategic distribution of HYBE’s catalog and new releases globally.
During his tenure at BMLG, which began in 2017 as Chief Marketing Officer, Rittberg oversaw marketing, streaming and release initiatives across the label group’s core imprints including Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.
Mark Flaherty, meanwhile, joins HYBE as President of Global M&P, bringing extensive experience from his recent role as Co-Owner of Fanatical Music & Marketing, where he expanded the international profile of Southeast Asian talent including girl group Bini.
Flaherty’s career includes senior positions at Warner Records (EVP), Interscope Records (SVP), and 88Rising (Global Head of Label).
HYBE said that it plans to expand HLS to cover more regions, “including strategic resource reallocations across different global territories, reaffirming its dedication to sustained worldwide artist development and success”.
As Chief Business Officer, Noh will report directly to HYBE CEO Jason Jaesang Lee and Isaac Lee, CEO and Chairman of HYBE Americas. Noh has over 15 years of leadership experience across gaming and entertainment, including as General Manager of Nexon US Holdings.
Lee became Chairman and CEO of HYBE Americas in July, following Scooter Braun’s departure from the role.
Commenting on the launch of the new label services division, Lee said: “The creation of HYBE LABEL SERVICE, under Ryan’s stellar leadership, marks a pivotal moment in our global strategy.”
“By centralizing our essential global support functions and bringing in top-tier leaders like Mike Rittberg and Mark Flaherty, we are providing our artists with an unparalleled platform for continued worldwide success.”
Isaac Lee, HYBE america
“By centralizing our essential global support functions and bringing in top-tier leaders like Mike Rittberg and Mark Flaherty, we are providing our artists with an unparalleled platform for continued worldwide success.”
“I am honored to help lay an important foundation for HYBE’s artists to stand at the very center of the global market.”
Ryan Hyeong Woo Noh, HYBE AMERICA
Ryan Hyeong Woo Noh, Chief Business Officer of HYBE AMERICA, added: “I am honored to help lay an important foundation for HYBE’s artists to stand at the very center of the global market.
“I would like to express my gratitude to HYBE CEO Jason Jaesang Lee and HYBE AMERICA CEO & Chairman Isaac Lee for this opportunity.
“We will strengthen the links between HYBE’s diverse regional capabilities and our powerful partners while enabling our artists and labels to more seamlessly reach and engage with audiences across different markets worldwide.”
“I’m honored to join the HYBE AMERICA team and thankful to Ryan Noh for the opportunity to grow, collaborate, and continue pushing creative boundaries together.”
Mike Rittberg, HLS
Mike Rittberg, President of Global Distribution of HLS, said: “I’m honored to join the HYBE AMERICA team and thankful to Ryan Noh for the opportunity to grow, collaborate, and continue pushing creative boundaries together.
“Rooted in HYBE’s belief in music, this company is redefining what’s possible in global music, and I’m proud to be part of building the infrastructure that will help these incredible artists reach audiences everywhere.”
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the entire HYBE team, helping to stretch the boundaries of what a global music company can be.”
MarkFlaherty
MarkFlaherty, President of Global M&P of HLS, added: “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the entire HYBE team, helping to stretch the boundaries of what a global music company can be.”
