BIG UPS AT APG

Mike Caren's Artist Partner Group has announced the addition of seasoned marketing exec Corey Calder, as SVP Marketing & Brands. APG also announced the promotions of three execs to VP: Edgar Machuca is upped to VP, A&R, Artist Publishing/APG/WMG; Olly Sheppard will be VP, Film/TV, Synchronization, AP/APG; and Devon Libran is upped to VP, Video & Content Production, APG.

Calder, Sheppard and Libran will report to APG EVP, Elyse Rogers, while Machuca will report to APG CEO, Caren.

"Corey’s a proven marketing mind and passionate music fan who brings a broad range of experience and strong relationships with key brands across industries," said Rogers. "He’s a dynamic thinker and will play a vital role in developing our artists and their brands. The elevation of Edgar, Olly and Devon is well deserved and further rounds out our growing leadership team so we can continue to deliver a high level of service to our roster."

"Olly and Ed are versatile creative forces who’ve seamlessly worked across our recording and publishing divisions," added Caren. "Olly’s a rising force in sync and soundtracks while Ed’s dual role working A&R for our partners at Warner Music Group has resulted in top hits."

Calder's most recent gig was Head of Content & Digital Strategy at sports/talent powerhouse, Wasserman, where he led strategic marketing efforts for brands, pro teams and major sports leagues including the NBA and NFL. Prior to that, he held a variety of marketing, digital, and strategy roles with the L.A. Clippers, Warner Records, Apple, and Beats Music.

Machuca, aka Edd Grand, started his career as an intern at Atlantic Records and was quickly promoted to a dual A&R role for the label and APG. He’s since connected top artists that resulted in smash hits including, Halsey's "Without Me," G-Eazy & Cardi B's "No Limit" and Cardi B, J. Balvin & Bad Bunny's Grammy-nominated smash "I Like It," which he also co-wrote.

Originally hailing from the UK, Sheppard joined WMG in 2012 handling TV & film sync for Warner Music UK before making the move to APG. He is a graduate of the Buckinghamshire University with a concentration in Music Management.

In 2019, Libran joined APG as Senior Director of Video Content & Production working alongside the label’s roster of top hitmakers. An actor and producer, Libran started his career as co-owner of JustPressRec where he focused on music videos and branded content for various brands.