Kobalt has hired Arif Mahmud as Vice President, Business Affairs.
In the London-based role, Mahmud will work with Kobalt’s management team in the expansion of Kobalt Music Recordings’ and AWAL’s (Kobalt’s streaming label for independent artists) business and client base in all regions outside the U.S.
Mahmud will be primarily focused on helping shape the deal structure and legal and commercial framework for future client partnerships.
A 16 year veteran in the entertainment industry, Mahmud’s prior role was General Manager and General Counsel at Three Six Zero.
“Bringing on Arif and his wealth of entertainment experience will be crucial for our company and clients we represent.”
Paul Hitchman, Kobalt
Previously, Mahmud was business affairs manager for Universal Music’s front line labels, Polydor and Capitol, in the UK.
“Having dealt with Kobalt in one way or another over the last decade, I had always been envious of what the company had achieved in such a short space of time since its inception,” said Mahmud.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Paul Hitchman and the team to roll out new versions of Kobalt’s and AWAL’s unique services to artists, labels, management companies and other partners. Kobalt has always been about putting the creator in the centre, and I’m confident that together we can ensure that all our artists see how we’re committed to that ethos.”
Paul Hitchman, President of Kobalt Music Recordings, said, “Bringing on Arif and his wealth of entertainment experience will be crucial for our company and clients we represent.”
Hitchman continued, “We have a lot of great things in the works and I know he will bolster our exploration of new business and client partnerships.”Music Business Worldwide
