BMG‘s Maximilian Kolb has stepped down as EVP of Repertoire & Marketing Continental Europe after over a decade with the company.
Alistair Norbury, President Repertoire & Marketing UK & APAC, will assume Kolb’s responsibilities on an interim basis until the end of the year.
Kolb joined BMG in 2012 as an A&R manager and gradually took on more responsibilities, ultimately being appointed as Managing Director GSA in 2019.
He was then promoted to EVP Repertoire & Marketing Continental Europe in 2021.
During his tenure at BMG, the company notes that it “significantly grew” its recordings and publishing businesses.
Artist and publishing client successes highlighted by BMG during this time include Max Giesinger, Kontra K, Cypress Hill, Marteria, Adel Tawil, Lina, Solomun, Scorpions, Robin Schulz, and Silbermond.
Among the acquisitions led by Kolb were German Schlager label Telamo and rights packages from Tina Turner, Jean-Michel Jarre, Martin Solveig, Nena (band), Cro, and Eurodance acts including Snap!, Haddaway and Dr. Alban.
“I owe the company a lot, and I want to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey.”
Maximilian Kolb
Commenting on his departure from the company, Kolb said: “The music industry is undergoing one of its most revolutionary periods, and after 12 years at BMG, it’s time for a new chapter and to continue to ensure that artists and songwriters can make the most of the changes we’re experiencing.
“I owe the company a lot, and I want to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey. We have accomplished a great deal together and I am particularly proud of the European team and where it is today.”
“I would like to thank Maximilian for his extraordinary dedication and contributions to BMG over the years.”
Thomas Coesfeld, BMG
BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld added: “I would like to thank Maximilian for his extraordinary dedication and contributions to BMG over the years.
“His leadership and vision have been instrumental in the growth and success of our GSA and Continental Europe operations. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Elsewhere at BMG, in May, the company’s former EVP Global Corporate Communications Steve Redmond stepped down from his role at the company after 12 years.
In March, BMG’s former Chief Content Officer Dominique Casimir stepped down from her role after 15 years with the company.
The former long-running boss of BMG, Hartwig Masuch, stepped down as CEO of the Bertelsmann-owned company last year.
He was succeeded by Thomas Coesfeld, who joined Berlin-headquartered BMG as CFO in April 2021. Coesfeld has led the company since July 2023.
Coesfeld was appointed to the Executive Board of BMG parent company Bertelsmann earlier this month.Music Business Worldwide