HYBE Partners With Tyla Managers Brandon Hixon and Colin Gayle

HYBE has announced a significant expansion into the rapidly growing African music market through a new global management partnership with two influential voices shaping African and diaspora music: Brandon Hixon and Colin Gayle.

Together, they are launching a global management initiative designed to amplify African artists, develop cross-cultural storytelling, and build long-term creative pathways across the U.S., Asia, and the world, according to the announcement. Under this partnership, HYBE will establish a pipeline of emerging and established talent and sign new artists. Tyla — honored at Variety‘s Young Hollywood event last summer — will be the first artist supported under this expanded vision. She will continue to be guided by Hixon and Gayle, with HYBE providing additional global reach.

“We are thrilled to partner with cultural architects like Brandon Hixon and Colin Gayle, whose vision is essential to driving the powerful momentum of African artistry onto the global stage,” said Jason Jaesang Lee, CEO of HYBE. “This partnership represents a pivotal moment in HYBE’s global expansion strategy. By combining their expertise with our global network and resources, we will establish a strategic, sustainable bridge designed to amplify authentic African voices and artistry to fans across the world.”

Hixon said, “Our work has always been about connecting great artists with the world in the right way. HYBE brings a global perspective that complements how Colin and I build. Together, we can help artists move freely and tell their stories on the biggest stages.”

Gayle added, “We’re entering a moment where African artists have unlimited potential. With HYBE’s collaborative support, we can help them expand their reach while staying true to the roots that make this music extraordinary.”

+ The ASCAP Foundation, the charitable organization dedicated to supporting American music creators, today announced that Patricia Leonard has been appointed to serve as executive director. She succeeds Nicole George-Middleton, who was recently promoted to executive vice president, head of creative membership at ASCAP.

“For 50 years, The ASCAP Foundation has succeeded by providing recognition and support so that developing music creators of all kinds can flourish,” said The ASCAP Foundation President Paul Williams. “We are elated to have Patricia Leonard take over the Executive Director role and confident that her love of music and her deep background in the arts and philanthropy will enable the Foundation to continue to thrive for years to come.”

Leonard joins the ASCAP Foundation with more than two decades of experience in arts and philanthropy. She was formerly chief philanthropy officer with the Princess Grace Foundation, where she led the planning and execution of charitable events and sponsorship opportunities and created new programs such as the Crown Patrons Society for high-value donors. Prior to that, she served as the director of institutional giving for the Manhattan Theatre Club and as director of institutional relations for the Metropolitan Opera. She serves on the boards of the New York New Music Ensemble and New York Women Composers, is a founding member of the New York Composers Circle, and is the composer of “My Dearest Friend,” an opera inspired by the letters of John and Abigail Adams.

Founded in 1975, the ASCAP Foundation has supported American music creators through music education, talent development and humanitarian programs. In 2024 alone, its programs reached more than 300,000 individuals, including 60,000 K–12 students, through scholarships, mentorship initiatives and educational programs.

+ Nick Hartley, [PIAS]’ longtime chief operating officer and chief financial officer, has announced his retirement and will step down from both roles and his position on the company’s board, effective December 31st, 2025.

Hartley started his career as a chartered accountant before moving from the UK to Australia in 1984 to take up his first music industry role with EMI Australia, where he quickly rose to become finance director. He then moved to PolyGram Australia in 1990 as CFO and was promoted to the role of PolyGram U.K. Group CFO in late 1995 after returning to the UK. He left PolyGram in late 1998 after its acquisition by Universal and joined [PIAS] in January 2000. Under his guidance, the company has expanded its global operations, enhanced financial performance, and continued to foster successful partnerships with artists and labels. He also played an important role in the acquisition of [PIAS] by Universal in 2024.