BMG just tapped Neubau Music co-founder Jasper Niebuhr to run their entire GSA operation starting next February because they need fresh leadership in Berlin.
Jasper Niebuhr named managing director for the GSA region
- The company decided to put Niebuhr in charge of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, starting on February 1, 2026, and he brings a solid indie background to the corporate table
- He is set to manage recorded music and publishing while reporting to Alistair Norbury, who currently covers the UK, APAC, and EU regions
- This move fills the gap left by Marc Johlen, who decided to leave the business at the end of last year, so the seat was clearly empty
Executive background and industry experience
- Niebuhr has over 15 years of skin in the game, including a stint as co-founder of the independent firm Neubau Music
- Norbury thinks the new guy is perfect for the job because he has deep knowledge, and he knows how to build a company from the ground up
- The new boss claims he wants to focus on finding fresh routes for artists, and he plans to make the rights business worth more over the long haul
Broader company context and future plans
- This GSA sector matters a lot since it stands as their third biggest market globally after the US and the UK
- The whole outfit plans to move its global headquarters to the top floor of the Lumina building, which is just two blocks from where they are now
- Thomas Coesfeld is preparing to lead the parent company Bertelsmann, starting in January 2027, once Thomas Rabe finishes his contract in December 2026
