Los Angeles-based Activist Artists Management is expanding its focus on Asia, appointing industry veteran Jonathan Heeter as Head of Asia for Activist.
Heeter is tasked with identifying and maximising opportunities for Activist’s clients in Asia, and in particular Greater China, where Activist says he has more than two decades’ experience “representing major labels, global artists and iconic brands”.
The Activist roster is comprised of recording artists, actors, entertainment and media brands including The Lumineers, Alec Benjamin, Empire of the Sun, Grateful Dead, Dead & Company*, Bobby Weir, Dwight Yoakam, Brittney Spencer, Michael Franti & Spearhead and All Elite Wrestling.
Heeter, who is fluent in Mandarin after living in China for more than 20 years, has a deep knowledge of the Asian market from working in key leadership roles.
At Dentsu, He worked as a Senior Strategist tasked, according to Activist, “with helping Chinese multinationals develop and implement omni-channel and branding campaigns across China and the Asia Pacific Region”.
Activist also says that Heeter helped guitar brand Fender build a D2C business in China.
Heeter’s music industry experience includes running the International Department at Warner Music China.
Activist says that his initial focus will be positioning the company’s clients “to benefit from the next wave of digital innovation in Asia” and “to unlock incremental value for artists and brands in e-commerce, physical retail, IP creation and consumer engagement”.
Heeter’s additional experience in China includes running his own boutique marketing consultancy, where he helped launch Shangri-La Beer, a craft brewery in northern Yunnan province that provides employment for graduates of a local orphanage.
His agency also developed creative campaigns for Adidas, CHAO Hotels and Chinese fintech brand Lancaiwang.
“He has a proven track record in Asia and has maintained deep, high-level relationships throughout the region which makes him the perfect person to identify, support and expand our business.”
Bernie Cahill, Activist
“Jonathan has over 20 years of first-hand experience in China, where he built significant businesses and brands,” said Bernie Cahill, Founding Partner of Activist.
“He has a proven track record in Asia and has maintained deep, high-level relationships throughout the region which makes him the perfect person to identify, support and expand our business.”
“I’m thrilled to join the Activist team and help provide value for our clients in one of the most exciting entertainment markets in the world.”
Jonathan Heeter
Heeter said: “I’m thrilled to join the Activist team and help provide value for our clients in one of the most exciting entertainment markets in the world.
“The growth potential throughout the region, including China, Korea and Southeast Asia, is tremendous and I’m looking forward to bringing expanded opportunities to our entire roster and a few select new clients.”Music Business Worldwide
