Mike Van has been named CEO of Bilboard, the first in history. Credit to Maseo Refeurzo.
Los Angeles, California (April 30, 2025)- In a historic leadership move, Billboard has appointed Mike Van as its first-ever Chief Executive Officer, solidifying his role at the helm of the iconic music media brand. The elevation of Van to CEO comes as Billboard continues its ambitious evolution into a digitally-driven, globally recognized cultural powerhouse.
Van, who has served as Billboard‘s president since 2022, now steps into a broader role where he will oversee every aspect of the brand’s business and editorial operations, including global strategy, revenue, live experiences, international expansion, and brand partnerships. Notably, Billboard’s editor-in-chief Hannah Karp will now report directly to Van, a move that underscores his expanded editorial oversight.
Under Van’s leadership as president, Billboard experienced double-digit revenue growth and a surge in global influence. His tenure saw the brand’s digital transformation take flight while also scaling marquee events such as Latin Music Week, Billboard Women in Music, THE STAGE at SXSW, and the Billboard Music Awards. With its footprint now extending into 15 countries, Billboard has solidified its status as a global arbiter of music trends, charts, and artist recognition.
“Mike is a one-of-a-kind leader, visionary and partner,” said Jay Penske, chairman and CEO of Penske Media Corporation, Billboard’s parent company. “His passion for the Billboard brand and clear vision for its future has always set him apart. Mike has fostered a collaborative environment with a team committed to building a formidable global business—innovating and trailblazing at every level.”
Van’s appointment comes at a time of both opportunity and disruption in the media industry, where legacy outlets are rapidly reimagining their models amid digital convergence. His vision for Billboard is clear: continued global expansion, technological innovation, and a deepened commitment to celebrating the music industry’s creators and executives through high-impact editorial and unforgettable live experiences.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to lead Billboard and the team,” Van said in a statement. “Together, we have cultivated a culture of excellence. What we’ve built over the last several years has been nothing short of extraordinary, particularly in a media landscape marked by contraction and consolidation.”
Van added, “I am deeply proud to carry this legacy forward as we shape the next 125 years by continuing to celebrate artist and executive achievements through our charts, content, global IP expansion and evolving our signature live experiences, cementing our position as the definitive voice of music business and culture.”
With over 25 years of experience in marketing, media, and monetization—including roles at Pandora, Electronic Arts, and Complex—Van brings a unique blend of creativity and commercial acumen to the CEO role. His appointment marks not only a milestone for Billboard, but also a statement of intent: this is a brand not just rooted in history, but one actively shaping the future of music media worldwide.
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