Independent label, distributor, and publisher EMPIRE has hired Elliott Peters as Vice President of Global Business Development.
Additionally, Mike Gallegus has been promoted to Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs.
Peters started his career at an international corporate law firm and later joined Warner Music where he spent over a decade working with the digital team on licensing structures for major music services such as Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
Subsequently, Peters held a key role in developing the global expansion of internet and entertainment services for Apple.
Peters was also General Counsel at global music service RDIO where he played a key role in the company’s sale to Pandora in 2015.
Most recently, after a stint at podcast platform Luminary, Peters returned to music as VP Legal and Business Affairs for SoundCloud.
Mike Gallegus joined the team at EMPIRE’s San Francisco headquarters in 2018.
He shortly became the label’s key dealmaker, inking deals for artists such as Snoop Dogg, the late King Von, Lil Durk’s label venture OTF and GRAMMY Best New Artist Nominee D Smoke.
In his new role, Gallegus will oversee EMPIRE’s Business & Legal Affairs team at the San Francisco headquarters as well as in Los Angeles, Nashville and New York.
Gallegus brings years of experience and understanding of artists’ dealings in recorded music, live events and digital media after serving as Partner and Director of Business & Legal Affairs at Above Ground Entertainment, home to Bay Area superstar Kehlani.
“Elliott has set the standard for business development in the streaming era.”
Ghazi, EMPIRE
“Elliott has set the standard for business development in the streaming era,” said EMPIRE CEO and Founder, Ghazi.
“He embodies the spirit of everything EMPIRE. I am confident he will be a key player in our continued international expansion
“As for Mike, I’ve witnessed his growth at EMPIRE first hand. His tenacity and work ethic are unparalleled. His promotion was inevitable.”
“EMPIRE is a music industry pioneer, for a decade innovating and continuously embracing new channels and mediums to propel the careers of creators across multiple genres.”
Elliott Peters
Elliott Peters added: “EMPIRE is a music industry pioneer, for a decade innovating and continuously embracing new channels and mediums to propel the careers of creators across multiple genres.
“I am thrilled to be joining the talented EMPIRE team to help build on the great work that has been done and further grow the opportunities for these creators.”
“We’re pushing the boundaries in every medium, but staying true to our values. That’s always been a priority for me.”
Mike Gallegus, EMPIRE
Mike Gallegus, said: “From its inception EMPIRE has been a company based on fairness and respect and I am grateful Ghazi & Nima have given me the opportunity to structure deals that put ownership and control back in the hands of the artist.
“We’re pushing the boundaries in every medium, but staying true to our values. That’s always been a priority for me.”Music Business Worldwide
