The company has hired respected former BMG exec Laurent Hubert to run its newly formed B2B rights management platform division – and it wants publishers to come on board.
In his new role as President, Platform and Investments, Hubert will oversee the roll-out of Kobalt’s white label technology offering to other content owners.
Willard Ahdritz, Kobalt CEO & Founder, said, “This is a new major step for Kobalt. Our unique centralized organization and powerful technology platform are delivering an enormous uplift in revenue for our clients.
“But I believe that every creator should be able to benefit from what we’ve built, whether they are signed directly to Kobalt or not. So I’m thrilled that our new white label platform will be able to deliver that same uplift with total transparency to other publishers and content owners around the world. And Laurent is the perfect person to run it.”
Prior to joining Kobalt, Hubert served as President, Marketing & Creative, at BMG, where he played a central role in reestablishing BMG as a global music powerhouse.
Previously, he was Worldwide COO for BMG Music Publishing.
“Our white label platform will be able to deliver uplift with total transparency to other publishers and content owners.”
Willard Ahdritz, Kobalt
On his new role, Hubert commented, “I’m excited to be joining one of the great pioneers in our digital age. By championing creator’s rights, technology and transparency, Kobalt has set the highest standards for the music industry.
“I share Willard’s vision of a robust global music economy that requires a global tech solution like Kobalt in order to maximize value for creators in our digital age. It’s the unique combination of Kobalt’s values, powerful tech platform, and streamlined infrastructure that content owners and creators need to succeed today.”
Ahdritz added, “I have come to know Laurent both as a fellow member of the NMPA board and as a colleague with a shared vision for our industry. I’ve developed a very deep respect for his integrity and extensive knowledge.
“He will play a key role in Kobalt’s mission as we launch this exciting new B2B service for so many publishers seeking support in today’s complex digital world.”
Based in Kobalt’s Los Angeles offices, Hubert will also chair Kobalt’s investment committee and become a board member of Kobalt Capital, the advisory company for Kobalt’s fund business.Music Business Worldwide
