HYBE America has appointed Ethiopia Habtemariam, the former Chairwoman and CEO of Motown Records, as its President of Music. She excels in building partnerships and discovering new artists. This key appointment highlights HYBE America’s strategic expansion in the global music market.
From Motown to HYBE America: Meet Ethiopia Habtemariam
HYBE expanded into the U.S. with major deals, including the 2021 acquisition of Ithaca Holdings. Now, Ethiopia Habtemariam leads HYBE America’s music team. HYBE has praised her as a respected executive and cultural leader. The industry is excited to see her creative vision for the future of music.
Who is Ethiopia Habtemariam
Born on September 24, 1979, in Berkeley, California, Ethiopia Habtemariam is an Ethiopian-American veteran music executive. She has a long career in publishing and label leadership.
As a teenage intern at LaFace Records, she observed many powerful women of color. Their example motivated her to become one of them. She also wants to empower other young girls to become powerful leaders themselves.
Habtemariam is recognized for her focus on development, partnerships, and a culture-first approach. She successfully modernized a historic music company while honoring its roots.
Ethiopia Habtemariam has received prestigious awards. These include the HAL Triumph Award at the 2014 Anniversary Heroes and Legends (HAL) Awards, and the International Woman of the Year at the 2021 Music Week Women In Music Awards.
Billboard has frequently named her to its influential lists, including 30 Under 30, 40 Under 40, and the “Power 100.” In 2013, she also appeared in The Hollywood Reporter’s “Women in Music” issue and Variety Magazine’s “Women’s Impact List.”
Her track record is stellar. She has worked with famous writers and artists. These include Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, J. Cole, Ciara, Jhene Aiko, Polow Da Don, Theron Thomas, Cardo, Hit-Boy, Keri Hilson, and Happy Perez.
Career Background and Leadership
Ethiopia Habtemariam started her career early. At just 14, she began interning at a well-known American record label, L.A. Reid’s LaFace Records, in her hometown, Atlanta, Georgia. Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds founded this well-known American record label. Her internship lasted for four years.
In 2003, she joined Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), focusing on music publishing and talent development.
By 2011, she became the Executive Vice President of Motown Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. At Motown, Habtemariam helped forge a major partnership with Atlanta’s Quality Control Music. She signed and developed artists such as Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, City Girls, Migos, Leon Thomas, and NBA YoungBoy.
From 2021 to 2022, Habtemariam served as Chairwoman and CEO of Motown Records. During her tenure, Motown moved its base from New York to Los Angeles. Her leadership refreshed Motown’s image for a new era and strengthened the company’s position in today’s hip-hop-led market. She stepped down from her role at Motown Records on November 29, 2022.
Why This Hire Fits HYBE America’s Strategy
Ethiopia Habtemariam, the seasoned A&R leader, will help lead HYBE America’s music growth in the U.S. She will focus on music strategy, A&R, and artist development. This move signals that HYBE is expanding its music footprint beyond K-pop.
HYBE America Chairman and CEO Isaac Lee stated:
“Ethiopia is a once-in-a-generation leader whose impact on artists, songwriters, culture, and the music business is undeniable. Her vision, taste, and strategic insight make her uniquely suited to help shape the next chapter of HYBE America as we continue building a future-facing entertainment company centered on artists and fans.”
Isaac Lee, HYBE America Chairman and CEO.
This appointment strongly supports HYBE America’s long-term vision, which focuses on development and artist growth.
Habtemariam also shared the same view,
“I’ve long admired how HYBE AMERICA approaches artists, fans, and the future of entertainment. This is a company building with intention and investing for the long term while staying deeply connected to culture. I’m excited to contribute my experience as HYBE AMERICA continues to shape what’s next for music on a global scale.”
Ethiopia Habtemariam
Her arrival strengthens Atlanta’s importance in HYBE America’s U.S. strategy and brings a visionary leader with deep U.S. label experience into HYBE’s system.
Why Atlanta and Quality Control Matter
HYBE America sees Atlanta as a global epicenter of R&B and hip-hop, making it a crucial part of its U.S. strategy.
Ethiopia Habtemariam will help grow HYBE America’s presence in Atlanta. She will do this through the Quality Control team. This is important because HYBE America bought QC Media Holdings in 2023, making Quality Control a main part of HYBE’s U.S. operations.
This appointment also builds on Habtemariam’s past work with Quality Control (QC). She will once again team up with QC’s co-founders, Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas.
Her previous partnership at Motown Records successfully mixed Motown’s legends with QC’s modern hip-hop style, effectively bridging two very different eras and genres in the music industry. This demonstrated Habtemariam’s talent for building strong teams and fostering artists’ careers through innovation while embracing tradition. Her leadership also significantly boosted the label’s influence in the music world.
What Habtemariam Will Do at HYBE America
Based in Los Angeles and Atlanta, Ethiopia Habtemariam will report to Isaac Lee, HYBE America’s Chairman and CEO. Her role includes:
Primary Responsibilities
- Helping drive HYBE America’s long-term growth plan
- Leading A&R and artist development across HYBE’s labels
- Finding new opportunities where music, culture, and fandom connect
- Supporting HYBE’s Atlanta growth through Quality Control
Strategic Context
HYBE America took a major step in 2021 after the acquisition of Ithaca Holdings (Scooter Braun’s company). Since then, it has expanded its focus beyond K-pop.
Recent moves include acquiring the VIP firm Confirmed360 and working with So So Def. HYBE has also launched a joint venture with YouTube creator Alan Chikin Chow.
Habtemariam’s hiring adds a music-focused leader to this broader plan. It also strengthens HYBE’s partnership with Universal Music Group.
Final Thoughts
Ethiopia Habtemariam’s arrival at HYBE America has drawn massive attention in the music industry. The company is not just hiring a big name; they’re bringing in someone with vast experience, strong connections, and a proven track record in artist development.
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