Jaxsta Names Josh Simons as CEO

In a leadership switch no-one saw coming, Josh Simons is appointed CEO of Jaxsta.

Simons succeeds Beth Appleton, who steps down as CEO of the official music credits database, with immediate effect.

The incoming chief executive joined Jaxsta following the completion of the acquisition of Vampr, the Australian-created world-leading music industry social network on June 1, 2023, at which point he was named as chief strategy officer.

Now, he adds duties as CEO in addition to those responsibilities.

In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), Jaxsta chair Linda Jenkinson comments, “The board thanks Beth for her significant contribution to Jaxsta during a period of growth and change. We wish her all the best for her future.”

Jenkinson and the board congratulates Simons on his appointment, noting the incoming boss is “a visionary, product expert and highly energetic leader who shares our vision and mission for Jaxsta.”

Simons has “worked closely with Beth and her team over the past few months and was instrumental in attracting new cornerstone investment into the company.”

Appleton herself was promoted from chief marketing officer to CEO in April 2022, as company founder Jacqui Louez-Schoorl took on a steering capacity.

Louez-Schoorl has since left the company she started a decade ago.

“I will relish my time at Jaxsta and the initiatives that I drove,” comments Appleton in a statement.

“I wish Josh, and the incredible team, all the very best for the future. I’m proud to have been a part of the Jaxsta evolution, and look forward to watching the business continue on its mission.”

The British-born marketing guru joined the brand in July 2021 from Warner Music Australia, where she served as general manager and senior vice president marketing Australasia, completing a 10-year stint with the global music major.

She’ll work with the board and Simons to ensure a “smooth transition.”

Simons is co-founder of Vampr, which boasts a 1.3 million-strong creator community and was established in 2016 by The Music Network’s 30 Under 30 Power Player along with Hunters & Collectors guitarist Baz Palmer.

Beth Appleton and Josh Simons

At the helm of Jaxsta, he’ll be expected to maximise the merger of those two businesses, and continue to build its brand, which includes the newly launched Vinyl.com offering.

“Jaxsta has a clear vision and product roadmap going into FY24, and that’s a credit to the board, Beth and the team who have done a remarkable job,” he comments.

“Revenue, cost efficiency and profitability remain the top priorities for Jaxsta and I look forward to building on the current momentum. We have the foundation for a transformational global music product as we continue to integrate Vampr into the business and scale the Vinyl.com platform.”