Music News (12/3/25)
Lisa Hresko Named COO Of A2IM & President Of Foundation Of Independent Music
Lisa Hresko, A2IM, COO + President, Foundation of Independent Music
Lisa Hresko has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer of A2IM. In addition, Hresko has been announced as the first President of the Foundation of Independent Music by its board.
Hresko joined the company in 2017. She has since contributed to the development of A2IM’s Star Certification, worked on international trade strategy that earned A2IM the 2024 President’s “E” Star Award for Export Services, and supervised A2IM’s annual Indie Week, which has grown into the largest independent record label conference in the world. She played an important role in launching the Foundation of Independent Music, which since this year has become the presenting entity of Indie Week and the Libera Awards. Billboard recognized Hresko on its Women in Music list in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and on its Indie Power Players list in 2025.
“I am thrilled to be continuing the important work we are doing here at A2IM, representing some of the most vibrant, passionate and creative artists and labels in the music industry, and building out the work of the Foundation of Independent Music,” says Hresko. “It has been a great pleasure to work alongside Richard and the rest of the A2IM team these past 8 years, and I look forward to building value for the independent community with Ian in the years ahead.”
“I’m absolutely delighted to see Lisa Hresko step into the roles of COO of A2IM and President of the Foundation for Independent Music,” shares Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE, President and CEO, A2IM. “Having worked closely with Lisa since 2017, I’ve seen firsthand her intelligence, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the independent music community. This promotion is richly deserved, and I couldn’t be happier for her—or more confident in the impact she’ll continue to make.”
“I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside Lisa as I begin my tenure as CEO of A2IM,” adds Ian Harrison, CEO, A2IM. “Her incredible knowledge accrued over the past 8 years and her passion for the independent music industry is unparalleled, and I know together we can continue to expand upon the important work that lies ahead for A2IM and our members.”
“Over the past eight years, I’ve watched Lisa’s work strengthen not just A2IM, but the independent community as a whole,” shares Nabil Ayers (Beggars Group), A2IM Executive Committee, Chair. “She leads with clarity, consistency, and a deep understanding of what our members need. This promotion reflects the trust she’s earned across the organization, and I’m excited to see her continue shaping the future of independent music.”
Sony Music Publishing Elevates Jeff Smarr
Jeff Smarr
Sony Music Publishing has promoted Jeff Smarr to Senior Vice President, Global Copyright. Smarr is based out of Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s office and reports to EVP, Worldwide Administration, Dale Esworthy.
In his new position, Smarr will work across strategic initiatives and high-profile deal and acquisition integrations, as well as spearhead Sony Music Publishing’s Global and North American Copyright Administration teams.
Smarr has spent 31 years at the company, and has played a key role in the organization and its songwriter’s growth by supporting the advancement of key catalog acquisitions including ATV, Acuff-Rose, Famous, and EMI.
“It’s been incredible to see the tremendous growth of the company, team and songwriters throughout my time at Sony Music Publishing,” says Smarr. “I’ve been privileged to contribute to SMP’s representation of such iconic songwriters and catalogs, and I am excited to drive further growth for them in this new role.”
“Jeff is our go-to expert for any copyright question or concern and is unwavering in his commitment to our songwriters and team,” shares Esworthy. “I am continually impressed by Jeff’s encyclopedic knowledge of our catalog, and I’m delighted to recognize his work with this well-deserved promotion.”
CMA To Kick Off C2C London With Songwriters Series In March
The CMA is returning to London in 2026, bringing its Songwriters Series to indigo at the O2 March 12.
The event serves as the official kickoff of C2C London, and features a lineup of artists and songwriters including Keith Urban as host, along with Aaron Raitiere, Ashley Cooke, Kristian Bush and Meg McRee. A cornerstone event for C2C attendees, the CMA Songwriters Series continues to be one of the festival’s most anticipated events, underscoring the appetite U.K. fans have for Nashville’s most celebrated storytellers.
“What makes this work so meaningful is seeing how country music continues to connect with audiences far beyond the U.S.,” says Meredith Goucher, CMA Director, International Relations & Development. “As the trade association for our industry, CMA is committed to supporting the creators, businesses, and professionals who bring this genre to life. Every year, C2C and our Songwriters Series remind us that this genre resonates universally, its stories, its craft, its heart. We’re grateful for our partners at C2C and the fans who attend from across the U.K., Europe, and beyond who champion country music and help us build an even more vibrant global community.”
Ticket pre-sale begins Dec. 3 for O2 Priority members, followed by the C2C past-bookers pre-sale on Dec. 4, with general on-sale opening Dec. 5 at theo2.co.uk/
Country music is the fastest growing genre in the U.K. year over year, and CMA remains deeply committed to championing that momentum and supporting country’s community in the U.K. and around the globe. Since 2005, CMA Songwriters Series has presented more than 100 shows in cities including Austin, Belfast, Chicago, Dublin, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Toronto and Washington, D.C.
Madison Kozak Signs With Warner Chappell Music Nashville & The Core Entertainment
Pictured (L-R): Matt Cottingham (Lewis Brisbois), Chief Zaruk (The Core Entertainment), Madison Kozak, Simon Tikhman (The Core Entertainment), Jamie Sudhalter (The Core Entertainment), Austen Adams (WCM) and Bethany Mako (WCM). Photo: Courtesy of WCM and The Core Entertainment
Singer-songwriter Madison Kozak has inked a co-publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, in partnership with The Core Entertainment.
A native of Ontario, Canada, Kozak now lives in Nashville and credits her musical influence to Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, and Shania Twain. Her traditional country influences blends with vivid storytelling and infectious melodies to create her sound.
Kozak has earned cuts with Tucker Wetmore, Hannah McFarland, Abbey Cone, Griffen Palmer and more. She also hosts The Pony Show, a monthly writers’ round at The Late Great in Nashville to showcase emerging talent. Kozak has earned recognition from CMT, Pandora and Sounds Like Nashville.
“Madison is a rare talent with a gift for storytelling,” says Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “I’ve worked with her in multiple capacities throughout her journey so I’m thrilled to bring that full-circle in this new partnership. Warner Chappell is excited to be on her team alongside The Core and we’re looking forward to the future.”
“Madison brings a builder’s mindset to everything she touches, writing with clarity, conviction and a feel for songs that last,” share Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, CEOs and Co-Founders of The Core Entertainment. “We could not be more excited to champion her artistry and help bring her songs to an even wider audience alongside our partners at Warner Chappell Music.”
“As a songwriter, it means the world to partner with companies that shape the sound and culture of music,” adds Kozak. “Pairing The Core’s innovative, development-forward energy with Warner Chappell’s legacy for championing songwriters whose work defines generations – it’s a dream team I’m so proud and humbled to work with.”
Category: Music News
