Apple wants to ‘scale’ its music streaming business in China. And it’s hoping a new head of music for the region will be able to help it do so.
MBW has spotted a recent posting looking for a new Head of Apple Music, Greater China – and the firm wants someone who is “experienced at scaling complex businesses”.
The Cupertino-based company also says that it’s looking for an exec with “extensive work experience in the music industry, both internationally and locally.”
“We are not looking for an ordinary manager,” says the job post. “We are looking for someone who is a great leader, passionate about music and experienced at scaling complex businesses.”
Apple Music launched in China in September 2015. At the time Eddy Cue said that the country was Apple’s “largest market in the world for app downloads”.
But the service has faced fierce competition, including NetEase Cloud Music – one of China’s largest digital music players, which has more than 600 million registered users and claims to have added 200 million registered users in the past 12 months.
“We are looking for someone who is a great leader, passionate about music and experienced at scaling complex businesses.”
NetEase recently completed a $600m funding round to take on China’s largest player in the music streaming business -Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME) – the owner of QQ Music, Kugou, Kuwo and WeSing.
Tencent has of course also recently filed for an IPO in the United States, which might now be pushed back to 2019.
Apple clearly wants to boost its presence in the market and take on both Tencent and NetEase, not to mention the likes of Alibaba. That explains why Apple is looking for a person that “knows how to build new strategic growth initiatives for Apple Music”.
“Our goal at Apple Music and iTunes is to surprise and delight our customers, curating the music they love and helping them discover the hottest new talents,” continues the job post.
“The Head of Apple Music Great China plays a vital role by working closely with artists, labels and managing a team of smart and passionate music experts.”
While it’s not specified in the ad who the region’s new head of music will report to, it’s likely that it will be Oliver Schusser, who was named head of Apple Music worldwide earlier this year – moving up from his London-based role to become Vice President of Apple Music & International Content.
Apple recently hired Rebekah Horne as its new head of Music and other services in Australia and New Zealand.
Sydney-based Horne was named Country Director for Apple Music, Apple News, Apple Books, iTunes and the App Store in the region.Music Business Worldwide
