The National Music Publishers’ Association has announced the elevation of Danielle Aguirre and Charlotte Sellmyer to “new titles that reflect how their roles have expanded within the organization.”
Aguirre has been named Chief Legal Officer (CLO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO). She will continue to oversee legal and business affairs as well as NMPA operations. Sellmyer has been promoted to Executive Vice President, External Affairs. She will continue to oversee songwriter advocacy, public relations, events, the Gold & Platinum Program, and external activities of NMPA.
NMPA President & CEO David Israelite said, “These promotions reflect the outstanding contributions Danielle and Charlotte have made to the industry. NMPA has one mission – to protect and increase the value of songs. Danielle and Charlotte are key players in that mission, and their contributions are invaluable.”
In her 15-year tenure at NMPA, Aguirre has become a leading voice in music industry legal issues, producing landmark agreements with major music platforms and litigating numerous successful rate proceedings before the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB). She has been integral to crafting copyright legislation including the Music Modernization Act.
In her 11-year tenure, Sellmyer has elevated the voice and profile of music publishers and their songwriter partners, and has expanded NMPA’s impact to host major events across the country. She has led campaigns to pass major reforms including the Music Modernization Act, the designation and launch of the MLC, and multiple successful CRB litigations and settlements. She continues to lead communications efforts to compel the licensing of major digital platforms from streaming to social media and AI.
+ BMG has announced the promotion of Celine Joshua to Executive Vice President, Global Marketing & Streaming, expanding her leadership across the company’s worldwide marketing and DSP platforms.
In her newly elevated role, Joshua oversees the strategic alignment of BMG’s global marketing and streaming efforts across 18 international offices in 13 key markets. Additionally, she will continue to lead the company’s marketing operations, content and creative, and audience insights and analytics teams, unifying theses strategic operations, according to the announcement. Joshua’s mandate includes advancing BMG’s global digital ecosystem, enhancing fan-engagement models, and accelerating the company’s work in emerging AI technologies and commercial formats.
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Thomas Coesfeld, BMG CEO, said: “Celine’s elevation reflects both her achievements and BMG’s commitment to accelerating growth through technological innovation, artist-centric strategy, and our global where possible, local where needed paradigm. Her considered approach, coupled with her deep understanding of how artists and fans connect across platforms and how AI can amplify music experience, makes her uniquely equipped to drive BMG’s next chapter forward.”
Prior to joining BMG in 2024, Joshua served as Executive Vice President of Commercial Innovation & Artist Strategy at Universal Music Group, where she worked across the company’s global recorded music business to develop artist experiences, brand extensions, and new commercial pathways.
+ Primary Wave Music, in conjunction with South American partner Nas Nuvens Music Group, has announced a partnership with the legendary Brazilian composer, singer and guitarist Gilberto Gil.
Terms of the deal will see Primary Wave and Nas Nuvens work alongside Gil on his celebrated catalog of music. This partnership is one of the most significant to emerge from South America, combining one of Brazil’s largest music transactions one of the country’s most influential cultural figures. The partnership will focus on the preserving Gil’s legacy while expanding the reach of his catalog and to new generations and territories.
+ Concord Music Publishing has announced the signing of artist, songwriter, and producer Aksel Arvid in his first publishing deal. This deal is a joint venture with Norwegian producer Peder Losnegård, better known as Lido.
At the age of just 23, Arvid executive-produced PinkPantheress’ critically revered “Fancy That” album, which landed him two 2026 Grammy nominations. He has also worked extensively with Jack Harlow and others.
“Aksel is a special young talent with a creative vision that feels like it blends the spirit of the old school with the techniques of the new. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Concord to help foster his vision,” says Jonathan Tanners, Manager at Blood Company.
Jeremy Yohai, SVP A&R at Concord Music Publishing added, “Aksel is an amazing talent that possesses an extraordinary work ethic and distinct point of view. We are thrilled to be working with him alongside Lido.”
+ Capitol Music Group has announced the promotion of Walter Thomas to Executive Vice President, Motown Gospel / Tamla. In his expanded role, Thomas will oversee the creative, marketing, and strategic direction for Motown Gospel and Tamla, strengthening partnerships and continuing to champion world-class talent across Gospel, Christian, R&B, and positive music, according to the announcement.
“Walter is an exceptional leader with a strong work ethic and clear vision. Working alongside him over the past few years, I’ve seen firsthand his passion for artist development and the role faith plays in his leadership. Motown Gospel and TAMLA are entering a new era of growth and impact under his leadership,” said Brad O’Donnell, president of Capitol Christian Music Group.
+ Pulse Music Group has announced the promotion of Saul Fitton to senior VP/ head of creative, U.K. His responsibilities will include signing, developing, and implementing creative strategy for the company’s roster of songwriters and producers. He will be based in London and will report to co-CEOs Scott Cutler and Ashley Calhoun.
Fitton previously held A&R roles at Sony Music Publishing and Warner Chappell Music, and began his career in management and A&R with Fraser T. Smith.
Scott Cutler, Josh Abraham, and Ashley Calhoun commented: “Saul has a proven track record of discovering, signing, and developing internationally successful songwriting, production, and artistic talent. What truly sets him apart is his ability to create innovative opportunities and to stand up for the commercial and artistic needs of his writers. We know that our writers will benefit from his exceptional dedication to their careers.”
+ Secretly Distribution has announced a worldwide distribution deal with Ipecac Recordings, “the independent record label that has been making people sick since 1999,” as the announcement puts it. Founded by musician Mike Patton — vocalist with Mr. Bungle, Faith No More, Fantômas, Tomahawk and more — and artist/label manager Greg Werckman (of Alternative Tentacles and Mercury Records and Pick-A-Winner Management), Ipecac has released music across rock, country, hip-hop, electronic, comedy, classical, soundtracks and more.
“One needs to evaluate constantly with the ever-shifting music industry landscape. Where do we fit? Who understands us? Who are our people? Partnering with Secretly at this time makes perfect sense,” says Werckman. “From the people that work at Secretly to the eclectic collection of labels and artists they work with, it feels like joining a commune of like-minded, fairly well groomed, independent music lovers. We are honored to be asked to join the ‘club’ and look forward to much more shared mayhem.”
“Take a look at the Ipecac roster and you’ll see a rundown of artists who have consistently pushed at boundaries, challenged preconceptions, thrown curveballs and made us all wince, gasp, laugh and, frankly, rock in various measures,” adds Tom Davies, Director of Global Marketing & Campaigns at Secretly Distribution. “It’s been a pleasure to listen to their output for 25 years, and everyone at Secretly Distribution is beyond excited to get to work with a label whose commitment to supporting groundbreaking music matches our own. We are thrilled to collaborate with Greg, Marc and Mike to support their amazing catalog and new releases.”
From Variety US