Billboard has elevated Leila Cobo and Jason Lipshutz to co-chief content officers, overseeing all editorial operations for the music brand.
Cobo and Lipshutz both have long histories with Billboard. Cobo is recognised as a foremost expert on Latin music. Lipshutz has steered the brand’s coverage of the rock and pop genres for years. The two will lead Billboard’s newsroom and its busy slate of live events that include its Women in Music, Latin Music Week and The Stage at SXSW franchises. The pair report to Billboard CEO Mike Van. Billboard is a sibling brand of Variety owned by Penske Media Corp.
Hannah Karp, the company’s editor in chief since 2018, announced on Tuesday that she is joining Warner Music Group as executive VP and chief communications officer.
Also on Tuesday, Billboard announced that Lyndsey Havens has been named executive editor; Dan Rys is promoted to executive editor, business; Shira Brown is upped to senior VP of video; and Mary Rooney to senior VP of experiences. Havens joined the publication as an intern in 2016 and has written multiple cover stories, while Rys initially joined in 2011 and rejoined in 2015 after a three-year stint at the hip-hop publication XXL.
“I am so proud to recognize two incredibly deserving talents within the organization,” said Jay Penske, chairman and CEO of PMC. “Leila is one of the most well-regarded voices and leaders in Latin American music today. She has brought unprecedented awareness to the genre, championing talent and building globally recognized franchises that celebrate it. Similarly, Jason is one of the most trusted voices in modern pop music and brings passion and creativity to his work. I look forward to watching Leila and Jason helm Billboard’s editorial content and evolve it for the future.”
Cobo and Lipshutz will jointly oversee all editorial operations. Cobo will continue to lead Latin music coverage while adding country music to her scope. Lipshutz will continue his focus on pop music in addition to adding rock, hip-hop and dance to his portfolio.
“We are thrilled to recognize such extraordinary leaders within our organization,” Van said. “What Leila has been able to create over the years through her commitment to excellence, deep relationships and passion for music is unprecedented. Additionally, watching Jason grow with Billboard over the years into such a respected and committed leader of the organization is incredible. Together, Leila and Jason bring unmatched expertise, enthusiasm balanced with vision, and business savvy to these roles positioning Billboard’s world class editorial content and events for a bold and exciting future.”
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A native of Colombia, Cobo is a former Fulbright scholar and a classically trained musician. She has penned two novels, “The Second Time We Met” and “Tell Me Something True,” as well as biographies of Jenni Rivera and Ednita Nazario. She is credited with elevating the coverage of Latin music in the U.S. since joining Billboard in 2001. She is the driving force behind Billboard Latin Music Week. Cobo was most recently chief content officer of Billboard Latin.
“It’s an honor to steer the content of Billboard, the most respected, forward-looking music media brand in the world,” Cobo said. “It is also a privilege to do so alongside Jason, an absolute encyclopedia of musical knowledge. I am thankful to Jay Penske and Mike Van for their unwavering belief in my ability and giving me this opportunity. I look forward to continuing to elevate diverse voices and genres, expanding Billboard’s storytelling, and shining a spotlight on the global music landscape.”
Lipshutz started out at Billboard as an intern in 2008 and has steadily climbed the ranks. He was most recently executive director of music. He’s covered such superstars as Taylor Swift, U2 and Lorde extensively. In 2024, Lipshutz’s book “It Starts With One: The Legend and Legacy of Linkin Park” was published by Da Capo.
“I’m thrilled to lead an extraordinary team alongside my friend and colleague Leila Cobo, and grateful to PMC leadership for this opportunity,” Lipshutz said. “As someone who has worked at every level of the Billboard editorial team, I know the beating heart of this brand, understand the talent on our staff, and see the potential for what we can accomplish in the coming years.”
From Variety US