Rick Gleave who most recently served as Senior Vice President and Head of Europe and MENA at B2B music streaming technology company Tuned Global, has left the company and established a new integrated consultancy firm called Music Foundry with two other music executives.
Gleave, who previously held positions at Playnetwork and Pandora, joined Tuned Global in September 2022. He was instrumental in Tuned Global’s partnership with Greenlandic telecommunications company, Tusass, in July 2023.
Now Gleave – in partnership with Jon Hilbrants, formerly of 7 Digital and former leader of Juke Music; and Tom Grayson, who previously worked with Universal Music Group and Accenture – announced on Thursday (May 30) the launch of Music Foundry, to meet the growing demand for business advisory support from the expanding music technology sector.
Gleave’s departure from Tuned Global has not been publicly announced, but in a press release from Music Foundry, the consultancy firm described Gleave as “formerly of Tuned Global.”
Music Foundry emphasizes its multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise in music technology, business strategy, and music rights. The company offers services including music rights licensing advice, developing go-to-market and growth strategies, and crafting solutions tailored to individual client needs.
We are not just another consultancy, I’ve run B2C and B2B music services, as has Jon [Hilbrants]. We know what it takes and, as industry specialists, we are committed to using our experience to help our clients maximize their potential.”
Rick Gleave, Music Foundry
Gleave, Hilbrants and Grayson have collaborated with management teams across the music industry. Each of them have hands-on experience across a number of music tech companies from telecom media offerings and DSPs to social media platforms, live streamers and music B2B services, Music Foundry said.
“At Music Foundry, our mission is clear: to blend experience with innovation to provide unparalleled strategic guidance and support in the dynamic landscape of music technology. We are not just another consultancy, I’ve run B2C and B2B music services, as has Jon. We know what it takes and, as industry specialists, we are committed to using our experience to help our clients maximize their potential,” Gleave said.
Grayson added: “Music is technology, which is what makes it such a fascinating business. You cannot advise on music licensing and rights law without a strong skill set in what drives commerce and evolving tech.”
“The global music market is estimated to exceed USD $100 billion in 2024 and much of that growth is driven by technological change.”
Jon Hilbrants, Music Foundry
“This is why Jon, Rick, and I believe we offer a powerful combination. With our blend of experience and skills, we can offer our clients high value in a practical context. We are here to roll up our sleeves to get our clients where they need to be.”
Hilbrants stressed the need in the market for “an integrated commercial advisory service of this kind.”
“Our combined expertise ensures that we can provide comprehensive and effective solutions to meet our clients’ challenges. The global music market is estimated to exceed USD $100 billion in 2024 and much of that growth is driven by technological change. We have all been deeply immersed in this business for decades and are committed to supporting our clients with high-quality, informed advice as they navigate this complex environment.”
Music Business Worldwide