Scooter Braun is stepping down as CEO of HYBE America. Getty Images for Anti-Defamation League.
Los Angeles, California (July 2, 2025)- Scooter Braun is officially stepping down from his role as CEO of HYBE America, transitioning into a new position as executive advisor and board director to HYBE chairman Bang Si-Hyuk, the company announced on July 1. While Braun will no longer lead HYBE’s U.S. operations, he will continue to be involved in key initiatives at the company as he embarks on new ventures beyond the HYBE umbrella.
Braun’s exit as CEO marks the conclusion of his initial contract with the South Korean entertainment powerhouse, which first brought him on board in 2021 following HYBE’s $1 billion acquisition of his company, Ithaca Holdings. That landmark deal folded Braun’s portfolio — including Big Machine Label Group and SB Projects — into HYBE’s rapidly expanding U.S. operations and symbolized a defining moment of East-meets-West music industry synergy.
HYBE’s new CEO of American operations will be Isaac Lee, who previously served as chairman of the division and chairman of Latin America. He now takes on the chief executive role and will be guided during the transition by Braun, who remains HYBE’s second-largest individual shareholder.
“Being a part of HYBE and witnessing its remarkable growth has been one of the most inspiring chapters of my professional journey,” Braun shared in a statement. “Chairman Bang is a true visionary and a musical genius. What he has built with HYBE is unparalleled. I am incredibly proud of our collective accomplishments and look forward to supporting Chairman Bang and CEO Jason Jaesang Lee in their continued success as I step into what’s next.”
Chairman Bang also praised Braun’s leadership and cultural influence, calling him “an extraordinary partner, a visionary executive, and a true catalyst for cultural exchange.” He credited Braun with helping to establish HYBE’s ambitious footprint in the U.S. market and expressed optimism about their ongoing partnership.
During his tenure, Braun oversaw major HYBE acquisitions such as the $300 million deal for Quality Control Music in 2023 and continued to develop projects under Big Machine Label Group, which he had initially brought into the fold through his 2019 acquisition of the label for a reported $300 million. His influence helped drive HYBE’s strategic growth across genres, geographies, and audiences, playing a vital role in transforming the company from a K-pop titan into a global entertainment force.
Although details of Braun’s next move remain under wraps, a company release teased that his future plans will “reflect his expansive cross-industry vision and proven ability to cultivate culture at scale while continuing a focus on his philanthropic efforts.” He will also continue to be involved in select HYBE projects such as KATSEYE and Alan’s Universe, in addition to board-level decision-making.
With this leadership shift, HYBE reaffirms its commitment to expanding its U.S. presence while honoring the legacy and contributions of one of its most influential partners. As Braun steps into a new phase of his career, his imprint on both HYBE and the broader global music landscape remains undeniable.
About the Author
