Berlin-headquartered digital distributor Zebralution has made a number of key appointments.
William Hallström has been promoted to Head of International Business Development, in addition to his existing role as Senior Vice President (SVP) UK, Ireland & The Nordics.
Hallström, who has been at the company for six years, will “help bolster Zebralution’s growing international artist and label roster, acting as a bridge between the company’s global teams and Zebralution’s Berlin headquarters while continuing to manage operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Nordics”, according to the press release.
He will report directly to Michael Schick in Berlin, who oversees Strategy & New Business.
Hallström began his career in music at Universal Music in Stockholm in 2013 before pursuing studies at university.
He returned to the industry in 2017, joining Sony Music in London as International Streaming Manager. At Zebralution, he initially served as Head of Music for the UK and Nordics.
Commenting on his promotion, Hallström said: “I’ve been lucky to work with countless artists and records that are close to my heart over the years.
“The very hands-on, entrepreneurial nature of the independent scene is what first drew me to it and still keeps me here.
“Artists and teams charting their own paths within the industry is exciting to me. We’re here to help power and facilitate that. Being a part of that journey is hugely fulfilling.”
“More and more labels and artists come to us for a personable service – to work with actual people who listen to the music and pick up the phone in an era where many labels feel neglected by their distributor.”
William Hallström, Zebralution
He continued: “More and more labels and artists come to us for a personable service – to work with actual people who listen to the music and pick up the phone in an era where many labels feel neglected by their distributor.
“We’re strengthening our international team to boost our bandwidth, giving labels and artists unprecedented levels of care and attention.”
Zebralution has also announced the appointment of Harry Barrett as Sales and Marketing Manager UK/Dance Stores.
Based in London, Barrett joins the company from IDOL, where he served as a DSP Editorial & Partnerships Manager.
According to the company, his “expertise in digital service provider engagement and his experience in the dance music sector make him a valuable addition to the Zebralution team”.
Also joining the Zebralution team is Zhenya Ivanova who becomes Sales and Marketing Manager US, based in New York.
Ivanova’s previous role was at Spotify, where she served as a Playlist Editor.
Both Zhenya Ivanova and Harry Barrett will report to Head of Sales & Marketing Lisa Riepe.
Konrad von Loehneysen, Co-CEO of Zebralution welcomed the appointments: “These strategic promotions and appointments represent Zebralution’s ongoing efforts to empower artists and labels in an ever-changing music landscape.
“By expanding our international team and leadership capabilities, Zebralution is reaffirming its mission to provide independent artists and labels with the tools, support, and personalized attention they need to succeed.”
“By expanding our international team and leadership capabilities, Zebralution is reaffirming its mission to provide independent artists and labels with the tools, support, and personalized attention they need to succeed.”
Konrad von Löehneysen, Zebralution
These appointments follow the departure of Kurt Thielen as CEO, who stepped down at the end of 2023 after almost 20 years in the role.
He was succeeded by Chief Operating Officer Tina Jürgens, alongside label veteran Konrad von Löhneysen, who both joined as Co-CEOs.Music Business Worldwide