UMG’s Bravado Appoints Matt Young CEO, Announces Executive Hires

The strategic move will enable the company to expand its superfan activities

Bravado, the Universal Music Group-owned artist merchandise and lifestyle company, has announced a series of senior executive appointments. By strengthening its leadership team, it plans to “focus on creating products and experiences that build stronger connections between artists and their most passionate fans.”

Internal promotions:

Matt Young, who joined the company as President in 2021, has been promoted to CEO.
He is based in New York and continues to report to Boyd Muir, Chief Operating Officer of Universal Music Group (UMG).
Amy Zaglauer has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Artist Strategy, and will continue to be the artists’ and their teams’ key liaison within the company. She is based in New York.
Rachel Redfearn will continue in her role as Senior Vice President of A&R, a position she’s held since 2023. She will continue to lead efforts to sign new artists, and is based in London.

New hires:

Eric Mackay has joined as General Manager, where he will connect teams, sharpen execution, and deliver maximum impact for artists and clients, as per UMG’s media release.
The Los Angeles-based veteran has served at companies such as VEVO, CELAS, White Noise and Integral Management, and was previously the EVP of Global Digital Strategy at Warner Chappell Music.
Dan Goldberg joins in the newly-created role of Senior Vice President, Strategy & New Ventures, and will be based in New York.
The company says he will lead strategy and business development across Bravado, “expanding into new verticals, and developing innovative partnerships across music, sports, brands and broader culture.”
Goldberg previously built and led the Music & Entertainment division at Fanatics, and served as SVP of Warner Music Artist Services (now WMX).

What they said:

Boyd Muir: “Creating products for superfans is integral to how artists express their creative vision and forge lasting connections beyond the music itself. Matt leads an expert, nimble team that moves quickly with the market, while staying closely aligned with each artist’s needs, ambitions, and identity. These appointments underscore our continued commitment to expanding opportunities for artists to engage and grow with their biggest fans.”