Circuit Group launches Label Services division with key lease; Appoints a Chief Strategy Officer

Circuit Group, the music company founded by music industry veterans from artist management companies Seven20 and AYITA, has announced several new hires and a new label services division.

Founded in October by industry veterans Dean and Jessica Wilson (Seven20), Brett Fischer, David Gray, and Harvey Tadman (AYITA), the company plans to make a catalog acquisition.

Among the executives joining The Circuit Group is James Sutcliffe (Chief Strategy Officer).

Sutcliffe has held leadership positions at Ministry of Sound, LIVEnow, and Monster Energy. Circuit Group says Sutcliffe has worked with Dua Lipa, Stormzy, SZA, and Post Malone and led collaborations with the UFC, Lewis Hamilton, and various festival brands.

According to The Circuit Group, his expertise in live touring, artist relations, and product partnerships, “combined with his strategic vision,” positions him as the “driving force” behind The Circuit Group’s strategic planning and business development initiatives.

Meanwhile, Simon Birkumshaw has been appointed Operations Director, Label Services; previously served as Head of Label Acquisition & A&R at LabelWorx.

Prior to his time at LabelWorx, Birkumshaw was A&R for Defected Records, where he contributed to A&R records and produced Defected Radio.

Later, at Champion Records, Birkumshaw managed Kerri Chandler’s Madhouse & Madtech, building a “highly respected relationship” with the artist and now running and A&R’ing her label Kaoz Theory.

Ian Massoth joins The Circuit Group as Director of A&R in its new Label Services division.

Massoth was an early employee of AYITA, collaborating with artists such as Chris Lake, Fisher, and Yolanda Be Cool on their musical output and techniques.

Ian and Chris Lake launched Black Book Records in 2016, taking Lake on his own.

Shivani Phull joins Circuit Group as Senior Financial Advisor. He previously worked as a finance leader across a variety of industries, including Pixelynx/Animoca Brands, Reckitt Benckiser (FTSE 20), and the United Nations.

According to Circuit Group, in his new role, Phull will support the development of “new business models in the music industry, focusing on intellectual property ownership and value creation”.

Bianca Price has been appointed Communications Manager, having been involved in projects such as Electric Daisy Carnival, Beyond Wonderland, Day Trip, Under Construction, Griz, LSDREAM, and others.

Nick Sung joins as Marketing Director, having led advertising campaigns for artists such as Good Times Ahead, Tchami, and Nicky Romero on Get In! PR, and overseeing marketing campaigns for Chris Lake, SG Lewis, ILLENIUM, ZHU, Bob Moses, and others during his six years at Astralwerks.

Charlie Tadman joins Circuit Group as Director of A&R. Prior to joining The Circuit Group, Tadman spent six years at Spotify, contributing to the development of the company’s songwriter and producer businesses.

Prior to that, Tadman ran Calvin Harris’ Fly Eye Publishing, where he signed talent such as SG Lewis, Louis the Child, and students. In his role, Tadman will oversee A&R across the Circuit’s management and artist-focused projects.Music Business Worldwide