Executive Turntable: Apple Music Names Brian Pesaturo Head of Label Relations

Skip to main content Plus: SeatGeek's new chief business officer and more music industry hires and promotions. Brian Pesaturo Courtesy of Brian Pesaturo Brian Pesaturo was named head of label relations at Apple Music. In the role, he will direct and manage label relationships for Apple Music, iTunes and Shazam. Pesaturo started his career in field marketing at major labels before going on to serve in roles at digital and mobile platforms. In 2010, he joined the label relations team at iTunes in Cupertino, Calif., before rising to lead a team focused on major label partnerships following the launch of Apple Music. — Chris Eggertsen Sara Providence (SeatGeek) SeatGeek has named Sara Providence chief business officer of the company. Providence has been with the company since 2023, when she first joined as chief of staff and later as vp. She had previously been a consultant at McKinsey & Company. “We’ve always said that SeatGeek is a technology company that happens to sell tickets,” co-founder and CEO of SeatGeek, Jack Groetzinger, said in a statement. “We want to grow faster in ticketing while finding new opportunities beyond it and that work needs a dedicated owner on the executive team. “Sara has been at the center of our biggest decisions for the past three years. She’s shaped our company priorities and led the executive team and Board through some of the most important decisions we’ve made. She knows how this company works and where we can go next. I can’t think of anyone better to lead this work.” Providence added, “During my time at SeatGeek this team has pioneered things that didn’t exist in live entertainment before, and we’ve only scratched the surface of what our technology makes possible for fans and partners. Figuring out where that takes us next, and how we can truly reshape live events for the better, is the most exciting job I can imagine. I’m grateful for the trust and can’t wait to get moving.” — Ariel King Mahmood Shaikh (Ground Control Touring) Mahmood Shaikh has joined Ground Control Touring as a booking agent, bringing with him clients Boris, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Gang of Four, Scream, We Were Promised Jetpacks and more. The Chicago-based booking agent was most recently at Concerted Efforts. Shaikh co-curates the multi-city shoegaze festival Slide Away alongside Nothing’s Domenic Palermo. “I’ve known Eric and Jim since the Twin Towers days and have collaborated with many GCT agents for years now,” Shaikh said in a statement. “There’s definitely a shared aesthetic and approach to the touring industry. I’m looking forward to joining the team and growing my roster under the Ground Control Touring banner.” — Ariel King Joe Giordano Jr. (Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment) Joe Gioradno Jr. has joined Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment as senior vp of entertainment booking. Giordano Jr. previously served as Oak View Group’s president of stadium, arena and theater alliances. “Joe’s deep experience in the entertainment industry and proven track record of building strong relationships while attracting major touring acts will be a tremendous asset to our team,” Sean Saadeh, chief programming officer and head of entertainment at HBSE, said in a statement. “Joe has a rare ability to pair creative vision with instinctive talent-spotting, consistently identifying and elevating entertainment experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. As we expand our entertainment footprint across New Jersey and beyond, his expertise will help us continue to deliver world-class events and experiences to our audiences.” Giordano Jr., “I’m excited to hit the ground running at HBSE and continue building on the incredible moment across its growing portfolio of world-class and entertainment properties. Having grown up in New Jersey and spent a lifetime cheering for the Devils, joining HBSE is both a professional milestone and a personal dream realized. The opportunity to support Prudential Center’s continued success while helping grow entertainment offerings across the broader HBSE portfolio is incredibly special, and I look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for fans and guests for years to come.” — Ariel King Rishi Sood (ARC28 Entertainment) Rishi Sood, who previously served as head of business development at Music World Entertainment, has launched ARC28 Entertainment to manage, advise and develop artists. “Entertainment is one of the world’s most instrumental forces for shaping people, culture and opportunity,” Sood said in a statement. “Arc28 was created to work with people who want to use that influence to get their message out to the world. We want to help build businesses that don’t just succeed commercially, but create opportunities for others and move the world forward.” — Ariel King Mike Lee & Darren Yan Launch ISO Mike Lee, formerly the head of gaming and livestreaming at UTA Creators, and Darren Yan, formerly chief talent officer at FaZe Clan, co-founded ISO, a new firm whose services will include talent management and development, brand partnerships, music and licensing, performance marketing and clipping for artists, creators, brands and media. ISO’s head of talent is Matt Alsberg, who has held roles at PlayStation, Twitch and UTA. The company, which launched with initial capital from Influence Media Partners, currently works with more than 90 livestreamers, gamers, artists, VTubers and more, including PlaqueBoyMax, Jasontheween, Ironmouse, Lacy, Vanillamace, Kyedae and RDCWorld. It also represents brands including Electronic Arts, Discord, Underdog and Icenova. It will primarily focus on the Asia-Pacific and China. — Chris Eggertsen Azucena “Azu” Olvera (Sony Music) Azuncena “Azu” Olvera joined Sony Music as vp of A&R for Sony Music Latin Iberia, marking her return to the Sony Music family. She previously held roles at WK Records, WK Entertainment, SiriusXM, Sony Music Mexico and The Orchard. — Ariel King Daily newsletters straight to your inbox Sign Up More From Pro