Bravado, the merchandise and brand management company of Universal Music Group, has announced new leadership appointments across all divisions.
UMG said the new leadership structure “is designed to super-serve Bravado’s artists and brands and continue to support this growing company.”
Universal’s “merchandise and other” revenue segment grows Annual increase of 17.9% EUR 706 million at constant exchange rates ($763.397 million) in fiscal year 2023.
The new leadership structure includes the appointment of Colin McIntosh as chief financial officer and the promotion of Ashley Fogerty, currently responsible for business affairs.
Bill Ashton has also been promoted to senior vice president of commercial affairs, while Brian Schechter now oversees brand management.
Keith Taperell now oversees licensing, and Stacie Swanson now serves in the newly created VP of Artist Strategy.
“Over the past few years, we have been working hard to create an organization that can better meet our people needs around the world.”
matt young, bluff
Commenting on the appointments and promotions, Matt Young, global president of Bravado, said: “Over the past few years, we have been focused on creating an organization that can better meet our people needs around the world.
“Helping artists connect with fans around the world will always be our driving force, and I’m excited to announce this new leadership who will ensure artists’ visions become a reality.”
The following senior executives report to Matt Young:
Alyssa Tobias has been promoted to senior vice president, head of creative services. Most recently, Tobias served as Vice President and Head of Creative Services, and prior to joining Bravado, Tobias served as Senior Vice President of Creative at Live Nation Merchandise, where he was responsible for building and overseeing the creative development and design of its roster. Tobias lives in Los Angeles.
Ashley Fogerty has been promoted to senior vice president of business affairs. In his role, Fogerty will focus on external business development while providing legal leadership for the company’s global operations. She will work across artist teams, retail, e-commerce, and Universal Music Group’s brands and labels. Fogerty left private practice in 2016 to join Epic Rights.
Bill Ashton has been promoted to senior vice president of commerce. UMG said he will focus on “driving revenue and innovation” through travel, retail, VIP, licensing, D2C and Harley-Davidson.
Ashton will also continue to oversee the company’s A&R department and create new business and creative opportunities for Bravado’s artists and brands. Ashton lives in New York.
Brian Schechter has been promoted to senior vice president, head of brand management. Schechter joins Bravado as vice president of brand communications. In his new role, Schechter will lead the brand management team and continue to support artist teams across the company. Schechter lives in Los Angeles.
Colin McIntosh has been appointed Treasurer. McIntosh joins Bravado from REVOLT Media where she served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer, where she led the growth of the leading Black-owned and operated multimedia platform. McIntosh is headquartered in New York.
David Boyne is Managing Director of Bravado UK. During his 14 years with the company, Boyne worked to expand Bravado’s presence in the UK, including opening the company’s only physical store, the Rolling Stones’ RS No. 9 Carnaby.
UMG said that under his leadership, Bravado’s UK divisions, including sales, A&R, supply chain, creative and finance, have grown and developed alongside the company’s global presence.
Stacie Swanson has been promoted to vice president of artist strategy. In this newly created role, Swanson will provide super services to select artists. Swanson is focused on maximizing commercial and creative opportunities for artists. She would go on to collaborate with artists such as Tupac and Morgan Wallen. Swanson is headquartered in Nashville.
Rachel Redfearn serves as Senior Vice President of UK A&R, Brand Management and Brand Liaison and continues to lead the UK A&R and Brand Management and Brand Liaison teams. Prior to joining Bravado, Redfearn worked at The Merchandise Company (TMC), where she set up TMC’s European division and managed an office outside London. Redfern is headquartered in London.
The following senior executives report to Bill Ashton:
Briana Farrell has been promoted to vice president of U.S. retail. Farrell joined Bravado in 2011 and most recently served as Bravado’s senior director of U.S. retail sales. Farrell lives in New York.
Keith Taperell has been promoted to vice president of licensing. Most recently, Taperell served in the newly created role of Vice President of Global Brand Partnerships and Energy Marketing at Bravado. Taperell is headquartered in London.global music business
