The landscape of the global music industry just shifted. Ethiopia Habtemariam, the former Chairwoman and CEO of Motown Records, has officially joined HYBE America as its new President of Music. Working alongside CEO Scooter Braun, Habtemariam is set to lead a powerhouse roster that includes icons like BTS, SEVENTEEN, and the diverse talent within Big Machine Label Group and QC Media Holdings.
A Legacy of Cultural Influence
Habtemariam is widely respected for her ability to blend tradition with cutting-edge trends. During her tenure at Motown, she revitalized the label’s legacy while championing the next generation of superstars. Her move to HYBE America marks a significant convergence of K-pop’s digital-first innovation and the deep-rooted success of American urban and pop music. This appointment isn’t just a hire; it is a strategic alignment aimed at dominating the global pop market by merging distinct musical cultures under one creative roof.
Scaling Global Pop in 2026
Under Habtemariam’s leadership, HYBE America is poised to evolve beyond its roots as a specialized entertainment firm into a true global conglomerate. Her expertise in artist development and cross-platform storytelling will be vital as HYBE integrates its various acquisitions. By focusing on genre-fluidity—bringing together K-pop, Hip-Hop, and Country—HYBE is setting a new standard for how music is produced and consumed on an international scale.
Key Takeaways
- Ethiopia Habtemariam brings decades of U.S. market expertise to the world’s most innovative entertainment company.
- The move signals a major push to blend Western urban music with global K-pop influences.
- Habtemariam will oversee the integration of major labels like Big Machine and Quality Control, streamlining HYBE’s American operations.
As 2026 unfolds, this partnership promises to redefine the “monoculture,” proving that the future of music is borderless, diverse, and driven by world-class leadership.
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