Executive Turntable: GMR Unveils Leadership Transition — Plus, Seltzer Cracks Open New Firm

Executive Turntable: GMR Unveils Leadership Transition - Plus, Seltzer Cracks Open New Firm Your weekly roundup of promotions, hires and exits across music. This time? HYBE America's new general counsel, a "fashiontainment" guru at the Gap and more. Global Music Rights has announced a leadership transition, promoting Jeff Toig to chief executive officer while co-founder Randy Grimmet t moves into the role of executive chairman. The shift formalizes a partnership that has shaped GMR’s direction for years, with the company emphasizing that the move reflects continuity rather than a change in strategy. Toig, who joined GMR in 2018 as chief business officer, has overseen the organization’s revenue strategy, licensing operations and commercial partnerships during a period of expansion. As CEO, he’ll lead the company’s day-to-day operations and guide its relationships with licensees, songwriters and industry partners. Grimmett - who launched GMR with Irving Azoff in 2013 - will remain central to long-term planning while continuing to work directly with the company’s roster. “Randy and Jeff have been working side by side for a long time, building GMR into what it is today,” said Azoff. “This is a natural evolution for GMR which allows us to continue to set the industry standard for excellence and transparency for the world’s best songwriters and the folks who want to perform their incredible songs.” GMR is one of four major performance rights organizations in the U.S., alongside ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. The company has carved out a distinct position by prioritizing creators and representing a roster that includes Drake, Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Pearl Jam and the Eagles, as well as the estates of John Lennon, Prince and George Harrison. Both Grimmett and Toig emphasized their shared vision moving forward, underscoring a philosophy that has defined GMR since its founding. “Elevating my role allows me to work with Jeff to shape the future strategy of the business while continuing to work closely with GMR’s incredible roster of songwriters, composers and publishers for many years to come,” said Grimmett. Added Toig, “For over 8 years, I’ve been proud to work alongside Randy and Irving to build GMR into the truly special company it is today. GMR’s client-led approach remains unchanged and has been the hallmark of the company since its founding.” Michael Seltzer (Seltzer LLC) Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Michael Seltzer has launched Seltzer LLC , a New York-based private practice following more than 30 years at Universal Music Group. The new firm debuts with a heavyweight roster that includes GOLDSTATE Music, Barry Weiss’ RECORDS, ALTA Music Group, Julian Bunetta’s NOTEBOOK and the Marley family across multiple TUFF GONG-related initiatives. Seltzer will also advise artists, producers, songwriters and labels on a broad spectrum of deals. Seltzer most recently served as executive vice president of business and legal affairs and global head of commercial transactions at UMG, where he led negotiations across record contracts, label ventures, touring, merch, acquisitions, brand partnerships, film and TV projects, and AI initiatives. Over his tenure, he helped structure thousands of...

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