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Hybe America has named former Motown and Universal Publishing top exec Ethiopia Habtemariam as president of music, effective immediately. She will be based in Los Angeles and Atlanta.
According to the announcement, in the role, Habtemariam will help advance the company’s long-term growth strategy, spearheading A&R and artist development initiatives across the company’s label ecosystem and identifying new creative and commercial opportunities at the intersection of music, culture, and fandom. She will also play a key role in expanding the company’s presence in Atlanta, her hometown and a global epicenter of R&B and hip-hop, further strengthening Quality Control’s presence and impact.
“Ethiopia is a once-in-a-generation leader whose impact on artists, songwriters, culture, and the music business is undeniable,” said Hybe America chairman-CEO Isaac Lee, to whom Habtemariam will report. “Her vision, taste, and strategic insight make her uniquely suited to help shape the next chapter of Hybe America as we continue building a future-facing entertainment company centered on artists and fans.”
“I’ve long admired how Hybe America approaches artists, fans, and the future of entertainment,” said Habtemariam. “This is a company building with intention and investing for the long term while staying deeply connected to culture. I’m excited to contribute my experience as HYBE AMERICA continues to shape what’s next for music on a global scale.”
Most recently, Habtemariam served as Chairwoman and CEO of Motown Records. During her tenure, she spearheaded the landmark Quality Control–Motown label venture, overseeing the signing and development of genre-defining artists including Lil Yachty, City Girls, Migos and Lil Baby while also signing and championing artists such as Leon Thomas and NBA YoungBoy to the label.
Prior to Motown, Habtemariam spent more than two decades at Universal Music Group, holding senior leadership roles across Universal Music Publishing, Capitol Music Group and Motown Records. During her tenure at Universal Music Publishing, she played a pivotal role in the signing and development of influential artists and songwriters including Chris Brown, Theron Thomas, J. Cole, Justin Bieber, Ciara, Polow Da Don, Jhene Aiko, Cardo, Hit Boy, Keri Hilson and Happy Perez.
English (US) ·