BMG Readies US Growth Plan and Streamlines Management

BMG has announced a streamlined restructuring of its US repertoire operation as part of a US growth plan, designed to allow the company to accelerate out of the pandemic.

The plan will see LA-based Thomas Scherer promoted to president, repertoire and marketing, Los Angeles and New York, responsible for both West Coast and East Coast repertoire organisations, while Nashville-based John Loba is confirmed as president, recorded music, Nashville, both reporting directly to BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch.

Heading Thomas’ team in Los Angeles are two newly promoted EVPs, Monti Olson responsible for US publishing and Dan Gill responsible for recorded music in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile Jason Hradil – currently SVP, global repertoire – will become EVP, recorded music, New York; taking on the responsibilities of John Loeffler who will enter into a newly expanded role focused on VIP client relations, US-wide business development and strategic partnerships.

BMG CEO, Hartwig Masuch, said: “The US continues to be BMG’s richest repertoire source and largest revenue generator. After a very strong 2020, we are determined to be in a position to accelerate out of this pandemic rather than resting on our laurels. This new streamlined structure will allow us to raise the bar of excellence when it comes to servicing our artists. I would like to thank Thomas, Jon, Monti, Dan and Jason for all their contributions to the company and wish them continued success in their new roles.”

Thomas, a longtime music industry executive, joined the new BMG in 2008 as one of the original employees at the company headquarters in Berlin. Previously he served as EVP, repertoire and marketing, Los Angeles and prior to that, EVP frontline publishing where he led the integration of BMG’s creative teams around the world and was instrumental in the development of the company’s operations in China.

Since taking over the Los Angeles operation – BMG’s largest repertoire base worldwide – Thomas has led the team to historic highs in both music publishing and recordings. He has scored particular success in recordings with releases from Run The Jewels, Jason Mraz, KSI and Curtis Waters while entering a long term partnership with Dark Horse Records among many other projects.

Newly promoted EVP US publishing, Monti Olson will lead BMG’s Los Angeles, Nashville and New York creative teams, as well as creative service for BMG’s Film & TV publishing clients, reporting to Thomas. With over 20 years in the industry, throughout his career Monti has worked alongside some of the hottest hit-makers, writers and artists in music with BMG’s publishing clients including 21 Savage, Juice WRLD, Del Records, and Diane Warren. Monti initially joined BMG in 2018 as co-head of A&R Publishing in the US.

As EVP, recorded music, Los Angeles, reporting to Thomas, Dan Gill will be responsible for BMG’s frontline recordings repertoire and strategy in Los Angeles, including hip-hop / rap label RBC Records (YouTube phenom and rapper KSI, Chief Keef, Waka Flocka Flame, Big L, and Gucci Mane) and metal / hard rock label Rise Records (Dance Gavin Dance, AFI, PUP, Sevendust). Recent successes include Run The Jewels’ critically acclaimed RTJ4 and breakthrough newcomer Curtis Waters (‘Stunnin’’). Gill joined BMG in 2014, following the acquisition of Vagrant Records. Previously he served as SVP recorded music.

Following a highly successful period of transition and integration of the label into BMG, Jecoure Lamothe has been promoted to senior director, A&R and marketing, RBC Records. Jecoure joined BMG following the acquisition of RBC by BMG in 2018. He will now oversee all day-to-day operations of the label and its artists, reporting directly to Dan.

In New York, another longtime BMG executive, Jason Hradil, has been elevated to EVP, recorded music, New York and SVP, international marketing now overseeing BMG’s frontline recordings repertoire and marketing on the East Coast and BMG’s US interests in global recordings. Jason joined BMG in 2011 as the company’s first US recorded employee when he was tasked with helping to shape BMG’s entry into the US record business, overseeing all marketing, sales, promotion and distribution for artist releases in North America. In 2019, he was promoted to SVP international marketing, servicing all international repertoire including the international successes of Kylie Minogue and LP, in addition to key domestic titles overseas.

Jason assumes responsibilities previously held by John Loeffler, who assumes an expanded role in US repertoire focused on VIP client relations and strategic business development. After a 30-year career as one of America’s most successful music producers for TV and commercials, Loeffler joined BMG in 2009 as a consultant following the purchase of Cherry Lane Records. He has since become the driver behind a slate of significant relationships with some of the most successful and influential artists of all time including Huey Lewis, Roger Waters, Bad Company, John Fogerty, and Kenny Loggins, as well as the architect behind the recent launch of OM Records – an innovative partnership with French soccer club Olympique de Marseille.

Thomas commented: “BMG US just enjoyed its best year yet so it’s an honour to take on responsibility for our New York operation as well as LA. I look forward to working alongside Jon Loba as we pursue our objective to provide a real partnership for our artists and songwriters: inspire, help them build and own their creative works and offer them new opportunities to express their talents into books, podcasts, films and documentaries, video games and beyond. More than ever, BMG is the most artist-friendly alternative to the traditional music business.”