Scooter braun is stepping away from his position as CEO of HYBE america, the U.S. division of the South Korean entertainment powerhouse HYBE. This significant transition sees Braun move into a new capacity, joining the HYBE Board of Directors as a director and serving as a senior advisor to HYBE Chairman and CEO Bang Si-Hyuk. The shift marks the culmination of a five-year strategy that began with HYBE’s acquisition of Braun’s Ithaca Holdings in 2021. Industry insiders indicate this change has been anticipated for some time, aligning with the initial vision set during the acquisition talks.
The Strategic Transition: From CEO to Senior Advisor
Braun’s new role as a board director and senior advisor signifies a move from day-to-day operational leadership to a more strategic oversight function within HYBE. While relinquishing the CEO title, Braun has reportedly assured staff he “isn’t going anywhere.” He intends to remain actively involved in key HYBE projects, including supporting the newly launched girl group Katseye. His ongoing presence is expected to include providing guidance to artists across the diverse HYBE roster. This continued involvement underscores his commitment to the company’s vision and his personal investment, as he remains one of HYBE’s largest individual shareholders.
This planned transition follows Braun’s earlier decision in 2024 to step back from the demanding world of day-to-day artist management. He announced that move via social media, reflecting on his career which he described as a “Forrest Gump-like life.” For 25 years, Braun built a formidable business managing global superstars like Justin bieber, Ariana Grande, J Balvin, and others under his SB Projects banner.
A Five-Year Plan Culminates
The roots of this current role change trace directly back to June 2021, when HYBE finalized its landmark $1.05 billion acquisition of Ithaca Holdings. That massive deal incorporated all of Ithaca’s assets, including Braun’s SB Projects management arm and Big Machine Label Group (BMLG). Following the acquisition, Braun took the helm of HYBE America, tasked with spearheading the company’s expansion and strategy in the vital Western market.
Under Braun’s leadership, HYBE America actively pursued a multi-label structure and an intellectual property (IP)-driven strategy. He played a key role in integrating acquired talent and executives into the HYBE ecosystem. During his tenure as CEO, HYBE America made significant strategic acquisitions, including the reported $300 million purchase of Atlanta-based hip-hop powerhouse Quality Control Media Holdings (QC) in February 2023. The company also expanded its footprint by acquiring Confirmed360, an events concierge company, and the public relations firm, The Agency Group PR. These moves solidified HYBE’s growing presence and capabilities in the U.S. market.
Coinciding with the Justin Bieber Settlement
Notably, the timing of Braun’s role transition at HYBE coincides with the settlement of a widely reported and “contemptuous” dispute with his former longtime client, Justin Bieber. According to previous reports, the conflict stemmed from financial issues arising after the cancellation of Bieber’s “Justice” tour in 2022. Bieber had received a substantial $40 million advance from tour promoter AEG but did not complete the contractual performance dates.
This left the superstar owing over $20 million to AEG. Sources indicate that Braun, through his company, stepped in and covered the debt for Bieber. This was reportedly structured as a loan offered at a rate highly favorable to the artist. Beyond the tour financials, Braun and Bieber were also entangled in several other joint business ventures, including a record label and various film projects. Braun was also instrumental in negotiating Bieber’s massive $200 million catalog deal, considered one of the largest for an artist under 30 at the time. Sources suggest that finalizing the settlement with Bieber was a significant “last act” for Braun in his capacity as HYBE America CEO. Both Bieber’s and Braun’s representatives have declined to comment on the specifics of the settlement.
New Leadership Takes the Reins
With Scooter Braun stepping aside from the CEO role, Isaac Lee is poised to take over leadership of HYBE Americas. Lee is a seasoned entertainment executive who has been actively involved with HYBE’s expansion efforts. He has served as the Chairman of HYBE Latin America since November 2023.
In his expanded capacity as Chairman and CEO of HYBE Americas, Lee will assume responsibility for overseeing all day-to-day operations across HYBE’s significant presence in the Western Hemisphere. This includes leadership over the U.S.-based entities like Nashville’s Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) and Atlanta-headquartered Quality Control Media Holdings. Additionally, Lee will continue to oversee HYBE’s operations across Mexico, Miami, and Medellín, Colombia, consolidating the company’s North and South American business units under his command.
Perspectives on the Transition and HYBE’s Future
Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk of HYBE expressed profound gratitude for Braun’s tenure and contributions to the company’s strategic goals. Bang described Braun as an “extraordinary partner, a visionary executive, and a true catalyst for cultural exchange.” He specifically highlighted Braun’s “vital” role in successfully establishing HYBE’s ambitious presence and building its foundation within the competitive U.S. market. Bang acknowledged Braun’s leadership, “astute instincts,” and “unwavering passion for artists,” expressing excitement about continuing their partnership in Braun’s new capacity to further execute HYBE’s global vision.
For his part, Scooter Braun reflected positively on his time with the company. He characterized being part of HYBE and witnessing its significant growth as “one of the most inspiring chapters” of his professional journey. Braun praised Chairman Bang as a “true visionary and a musical genius,” acknowledging the “unparalleled” nature of what Bang has built with HYBE, which includes globally recognized acts like K-pop superstars BTS and the burgeoning group Katseye. Braun conveyed pride in the collective accomplishments during his leadership and stated he eagerly anticipates supporting Chairman Bang and the new CEO, Isaac Lee, in their continued success as he transitions into his next endeavors.
The shift is a strategic move for HYBE as it continues to refine its global structure and push deeper into key markets outside of South Korea. While Braun’s direct operational role changes, his continued presence on the board and as an advisor suggests HYBE intends to leverage his extensive industry knowledge and connections for high-level guidance as the company pursues further international growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scooter Braun’s new role at HYBE after stepping down as CEO?
After stepping down as CEO of HYBE America, Scooter Braun will transition into a new executive advisory role. He will become a Director on HYBE’s Board of Directors and serve as a Senior Advisor to the Chairman and CEO of HYBE, Bang Si-Hyuk. He will remain involved in strategic decisions and support artists, while also remaining a large individual shareholder.
Who is taking over as the new CEO of HYBE Americas?
Isaac Lee, who previously served as Chairman of HYBE Latin America since November 2023, will take over as the new Chairman and CEO of HYBE Americas. In this expanded role, he will oversee all of HYBE’s operations across North and South America, including entities like Big Machine Label Group and Quality Control Media Holdings.
Did Scooter Braun’s settlement with Justin Bieber affect his role change at HYBE?
While not the primary driver, the settlement of a dispute with Justin Bieber reportedly coincided with Scooter Braun’s transition. Sources indicated that resolving the financial issues related to Bieber’s canceled “Justice” tour was a significant “last act” for Braun in his CEO capacity before formally stepping into his new advisory role at HYBE.
Conclusion
Scooter Braun’s transition from CEO of HYBE America to a board director and senior advisor marks a significant, yet reportedly planned, evolution in his relationship with the entertainment giant. This move, coinciding with the settlement of a notable dispute with Justin Bieber, allows Braun to maintain strategic influence while handing over day-to-day operational control to Isaac Lee. As HYBE continues its aggressive expansion in the Western market, retaining Braun in an advisory capacity, alongside new leadership, underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging experienced industry figures to achieve its ambitious global vision. The change signals a new chapter for HYBE Americas under Isaac Lee’s leadership and for Scooter Braun as he shifts focus to strategic guidance and other future pursuits.
References
- www.hollywoodreporter.com
- www.musicbusinessworldwide.com
- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/de/news/ni65360511/?ref=nmnwr_1″>www.imdb.com
- ca.news.yahoo.com
- www.hollywoodreporter.com
