SoundCloud has hired former Sony Music exec Lisa Ellis to head Global Head of Music & Artist Relations. She will work alongside SoundCloud’s artist and label services team based in New York.
Ellis joins SoundCloud from Provenance Ventures, a holding company for Provenance Media, where she will continue to serve in an advisory role. Prior to joining Provenance Ventures, Ellis was Operating Partner at Fireman Capital Partners where she was an investment partner and advisor to the high growth luxury team that focuses on consumer products, fashion, sports brands and consumer retail.
Prior to Fireman Capital Partners, Ellis held multiple positions at Sony Music Label Group including Executive Vice President. In this role she oversaw overall label creative and operational management for Columbia and Epic Records, in addition to the digital business and initiatives within all of the labels under Sony Music Label Group. She also held positions as president of Sony Urban Music and senior vp, strategic marketing and TV/film/commercial music licensing.
During her time with Sony, Ellis played a key role in the development, planning and branding of countless artists ranging from Prince, Michael Jackson, Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Will Smith, Jessica Simpson, Lauryn Hill, and John Legend to Nas, Maxwell, Three 6 Mafia, Cypress Hill, and Kanye West’s label G.O.O.D, the SoSo Def roster, and Loud Records, among others.
Commenting on the news, Kerry Trainor, Chief Executive Officer, SoundCloud, said:
“Lisa has spent decades championing artists. She’s a passionate music executive, whose leadership, experience and strategic vision will be an asset to the team and our partners. Her connection to the creative community, understanding of the unique role SoundCloud plays in launching creators’ careers and helping them connect with fans is invaluable, and will help us continue to empower and grow the largest, most diverse community of audio creators.”
Ellis added: “Among streaming platforms, SoundCloud stands out as a truly differentiated offering by keeping creators at the center of everything they do. I’m excited to work alongside a dynamic, forward-thinking executive team, and join a company that provides a unique discovery experience by bringing together music and technology to support, elevate and celebrate creators of all kinds, with a particular focus on emerging talent.”
Ellis is also a member of the Board for Nat King Cole Generation Hope, and an Advisory Board Member of Girls Make Beats, a non-profit that focuses on developing female producers and songwriters.
Photo: Lisa Ellis. Credit: SoundCloud