Virgin Music Group Acquires Downtown, Pieter van Rijn Tapped As COO

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Pictured (L-R): JT Myers, Pieter van Rijn and Nat Pastor. Photo: Damon Casarez.

Virgin Music Group (VMG) has acquired Downtown Music Holdings LLC (Downtown).

Pieter van Rijn has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of VMG, having been CEO of Downtown since last year. He will report to co-CEOs Nat Pastor and JT Myers and will continue to be based in Amsterdam.

“Pieter’s appointment signals our intent to bring these businesses together thoughtfully and strategically,” shares Pastor. “This is about making both Virgin Music Group and Downtown even better — preserving their distinct strengths while increasing the investment, technology and global resources available to independent entrepreneurs. Pieter’s experience and leadership make him the right person to help guide us forward.”

“This combination enhances the choice, service and global reach available to the independent community,” adds van Rijn. “I’m grateful to Justin and Andrew for their vision in building Downtown, and to Nat and JT for their trust as we enter this next chapter. Our focus is clear: strengthen what makes both companies special and deliver even greater value to the entrepreneurs we serve.”

Downtown Founder Justin Kalifowitz is stepping away from the company. Andrew Bergman, previously Chairman of Downtown, will transition into a senior advisory role. Initially established in 2007, Downtown collectively serves over 5,000 business clients and more than four million creators in 145 countries. Today, the company has core divisions across Artist & Label Services, Distribution, and Music Publishing. The company’s portfolio of businesses includes FUGA, Downtown Artist & Label Services, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing and Songtrust.

“I’m extremely proud of the culture we created, grounded in trust, long-term partnership and the constant pursuit of excellence,” says Bergman. “Pieter van Rijn epitomizes that culture and watching my friend grow into such an exceptional leader has been extremely gratifying. Justin and I look forward to cheering on Nat, JT, Pieter and the combined teams as they continue to create new opportunities for the global music community.”

“Today recognizes the extraordinary company the Downtown team has built,” adds Myers. “Justin’s pioneering spirit — and the leadership of Andrew, Pieter and colleagues worldwide — created an organization defined by its powerful belief in independent creators. We deeply respect what this team has built and are committed to backing it, protecting what makes Downtown successful, and expanding opportunities for the global independent community.”

Lauryn Sink
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