HYBE said on Thursday it appointed Ethiopia Habtemariam, former chairman of Motown Records, as head of HYBE America’s music division.

Habtemariam will oversee A&R and artist development across HYBE America’s labels and lead its medium- to long-term growth strategy. He will identify new business opportunities at the intersection of music and cultural fandom. He will also focus on strengthening the standing of QC Media Holdings, HYBE America’s hip-hop label.

Habtemariam is a music industry executive who built a career of nearly 20 years at Universal Music Group. He served as chairman and CEO of Motown Records, leading the label’s revival and growth and strengthening the global competitiveness of artists and the label. Motown Records is the label that produced legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder and the Jackson 5.

During his time at Motown, he led collaboration between Motown and QC, expanding the global market presence of artists including Lil Yachty and Migos and Lil Baby. Before joining Motown, he played a central role at Universal Music Publishing in recruiting and supporting the growth of top-tier artists including Justin Bieber and J. Cole.

Isaac Lee, chairman and CEO of HYBE America, said, "Habtemariam’s vision and insight will play an important role in driving HYBE America’s next stage of growth as a future-oriented entertainment company centered on artists and fans."

Habtemariam, the new head, said, "It is meaningful to be able to add my experience to HYBE America’s next stage as it pursues long-term growth based on cultural connection."