On Tuesday (Jan. 20), Billboard announced the promotions of four team members: Lyndsey Havens has been named executive editor; Dan Rys is executive editor, business; Shira Brown is SVP Video; and Mary Rooney is SVP, Experiences.
Also on Tuesday, Leila Cobo and Jason Lipshutz were promoted to co-chief content officers of Billboard, while editorial director Hannah Karp will depart for Warner Music.
Havens, previously a deputy editor at Billboard, takes on the title of executive editor. Since joining Billboard as an intern in 2016 and swiftly becoming a full-time staff member, Havens has grown into one of the publication’s most trusted and respected voices in modern music journalism. Known for her detailed storytelling and passion for music, she has penned compelling cover stories on such artists as Billie Eilish, Post Malone and Lil Yachty, while also expertly overseeing The Sound, Billboard magazine’s music-driven section. Her commitment to groundbreaking reporting, from tracking vinyl trends to introducing Billboard’s Managers to Watch list, has been instrumental in elevating Billboard’s editorial standards.
Rys, formerly Billboard’s director of business news, will now serve as executive editor, business. Rys has been a trusted authority on music business journalism for more than a decade, covering everything from major record labels and publishers to innovative streaming platforms and emerging trends in the industry. Renowned for his incisive reporting, he has interviewed leading figures such as Eminem, Lucian Grainge and the Marley family, and spearheaded detailed investigative pieces on companies including Universal Music Group, EMPIRE and Primary Wave. Rys also oversees Billboard‘s regular Executive of the Week column and key business-focused reporting packages.
Both Havens and Rys will report to co-chief content officers Cobo and Lipshutz effective immediately.
“Dan Rys has evolved from a tireless industry reporter to a leader of Billboard‘s overall news and music business coverage over the past decade, while Lyndsey Havens has established herself as one of the most thoughtful and trusted editors in modern music journalism,” said Cobo and Lipshutz.
Brown, who has been integral to Billboard‘s video initiatives, has been promoted to senior vice president, video and off platform growth. In this new leadership role, Brown will oversee growing audience and revenue streams across video, podcasts, apps, FAST and CTV. She will enhance viewers’ journeys across all touch points, improve quality and scale of Billboard’s video production, and drive growth through intellectual property development for new shows.
Rooney has been promoted to SVP, Experiences, cementing her critical position within Billboard’s live consumer event strategy and thought leadership efforts. Previously serving as VP of Events, Rooney has masterminded high-profile initiatives such as Billboard‘s Women in Music, Latin Music Week and The Stage at SXSW. Moving forward, she will helm all of Billboard’s signature business events while driving new consumer-facing programs and elevating the overall brand identity.
Both Brown and Rooney will continue reporting to Dana Droppo, Billboard’s chief brand officer.
“Shira Brown’s leadership has been critical to our growth. In the last few years, she has guided a talented team and amplified our ability to reach music fans and professionals through video,” Droppo said. “Mary Rooney’s experiential expertise and razor sharp event execution has pushed Billboard to new heights. These promotions are a testament to their essential contributions, and we couldn’t be prouder of our team.”
As Billboard proudly celebrates these internal promotions, the company also bids farewell to longtime editor in chief Hannah Karp. During her successful tenure at Billboard, Karp elevated the publication’s editorial voice and continued its legacy of excellence in music industry coverage.
