While CEOs and label heads often get the spotlight, some of the most powerful moves in the music industry are being made by the next wave of executives rising through the ranks. These professionals are shaping artist development, digital marketing, sync licensing, and the cultural voice of music — all from positions just beneath the top tier.
For independent artists, managers, and media platforms like Exposed Vocals, these are the names to know now before they become the next generation of decision-makers. Here are five rising music executives to watch (and interview) in 2025.
Amber Grimes – EVP, Global Creative at LVRN (Love Renaissance)
Amber Grimes has been steadily building a name as one of the most creative and forward-thinking executives in the game. With past experience at Spotify and Capitol Records, and now leading creative at LVRN — home to acts like 6lack and Summer Walker — she’s bridging the gap between indie sensibilities and major label power. Grimes is vocal about changing the narrative around artist development, emphasizing long-term brand building over short-term trends.
Mitch Dudley – VP, Digital Marketing at 300 Elektra Entertainment (3EE)
If you’re wondering who’s behind the viral rollouts of your favorite hip-hop and pop tracks, Mitch Dudley is likely part of that engine. As VP of digital marketing, he specializes in leveraging TikTok trends, pre-save campaigns, and fan activation to drive both culture and numbers. His work blends data-driven strategy with a deep understanding of internet culture, making him a vital figure in today’s music marketing landscape.
Jamila Thomas – SVP, Marketing at Atlantic Records
Jamila Thomas is best known for co-founding #TheShowMustBePaused, a social justice movement within the music industry. But beyond activism, she’s a key marketing mind at Atlantic Records. Thomas brings a sharp sense of timing, brand alignment, and cultural responsibility to every artist campaign she touches. Her work exemplifies how music marketing can be both commercially effective and culturally aware.
Brandon “Jinx” Jenkins – Host & Executive Producer (Spotify, Vice, Complex alum)
Jinx is a unique hybrid in the industry — part journalist, part exec, part cultural commentator. He’s known for his work with Vice and Complex, and more recently as a host and producer for Spotify’s original content. Jinx brings storytelling to the forefront, creating bridges between artists and audiences through sharp, honest, and engaging narratives. He’s a voice of the culture with insider access.
Samantha Parvin – Music Supervisor & Licensing Consultant (ex-Coca-Cola Global Music Lead)
Samantha Parvin has made a career helping artists monetize their work outside of traditional channels. As a music supervisor and consultant, she works with brands, agencies, and artists to place songs in commercials, film, and digital content. Her insights are invaluable for musicians looking to break out of the streaming race and into sync licensing opportunities that can fuel long-term income.
These five rising executives may not be the most famous names in the music business — yet — but their influence is undeniable. They’re accessible, innovative, and on the cutting edge of where the industry is heading. For platforms like Exposed Vocals, they’re not just great interview targets; they’re key voices in the conversation about music’s future.
