Sony Music announces two top-level hires for European territories

Sony Music Entertainment has made two major hires for its European territories – both from Universal Music Germany.

Daniel Lieberberg is new President of Continental Europe and Africa, while Patrick Mushatsi-Kareba is CEO of Germany, Switzerland and Austria (GSA).

Based in Berlin, Lieberberg will break artists and drive strategic business initiatives across the two regions, with the exception of Spain and Portugal.

Lieberberg reports directly to Sony Music CEO Rob Stringer, and replaces Philip Ginthör who exited the company after 18 years.

Stringer said, “Daniel is one of the most outstanding creative and futuristic executives in Europe, and I am very happy that he will now lead a group of territories that contribute significantly to our global business.

“Not only does revolutionary music technology come from some of these countries, but the adage ‘hits can come from anywhere’ has never been truer, and Daniel is uniquely capable of building on this momentum for our company.”

Originally a major concert booker and agent, Lieberberg joined Universal Music in 2002.

He headed its domestic business as head of the Vertigo/Capitol & Polydor/Island labels.and joined the Universal Music Germany Management Board in 2011.

Under his reign, Universal Music Germany signed Lana Del Rey and Danish heavy metal band Volbeat, as well as German electro-pop outfit Unheilig, singer songwriter Andreas Bourani and DJ/producer Felix Jaehn, among others.

Based in Munich, Patrick Mushatsi-Kareba reports to Lieberberg.

The one time artist manager and journalist was most recently General Manager of Marketing & Digital at Universal Music since 2016.

Before that he was instrumental in breaking various digital companies across Europe – including Napster, Apple (where he was for eight years) and Deutsche Telekom’s online strategy.

Lieberberg related: “I have worked with Patrick for a number of years and I am delighted to have him taking on this key role.

“He is a charismatic and innovative leader with a strong background in both A&R and digital business.

“His unique combination of skills, which draws on all sides of the value chain, will help us further build on the great artist development coming out of the GSA region and maximize the many commercial opportunities for Sony Music’s artists.”