The Music Business Association (Music Biz) and Music Ally have confirmed that BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch will deliver the keynote interview for the duo’s upcoming NY:LON Connect 2022 global music business summit on Thursday, January 20th, 2022 at 12:05 pm ET.

A music industry “lifer,” Masuch has spent the past 13 years reinventing what it means to be a music company in the streaming age. Under his leadership, BMG has grown to become the world’s fourth-biggest music company, the first new global player in the music business of the streaming age, and a record label and music publisher in one. From its structure — music publishing and records under one roof and off the same platform — to its commitments to service, fairness and transparency, BMG has emerged as a disruptor, forging a distinctive path in the modern music business.

“BMG’s story is an example to the global music industry at large, embracing technologies and personalized services with the power to ultimately reshape our industry with innovation and an artist-first mentality at the forefront,” said Music Biz President, Portia Sabin. “For that reason, it’s a genuine thrill to have Hartwig deliver our 2022 NY:LON keynote interview, as he shares how this forward-thinking approach has led to major success for BMG and can evolve how we do business for the better.”

“As we were developing the Values-Based Music Economy track, which looks at how the music business should respond to the scrutiny it faces and the wider context of the values that Gen Z and Gen Y music fans hold, the obvious keynote was Hartwig,” said Music Ally CEO & Co-Founder, Paul Brindley. “He has always put such an emphasis on ensuring greater transparency and accountability in business practices, so we’re delighted to have him speak at the event.”

Said Hartwig Masuch: “I am delighted to accept this invitation to speak at one of the world’s most influential events for those who really think about the future of the music business. BMG is a genuinely values-driven company in an industry which traditionally finds it hard to think beyond next week’s chart position or market share. I look forward to sharing our experience of how a more ethical approach can deliver surprising business benefits.”

The NY:LON Connect 2022 global music industry summit takes place January 18 - 21, 2022 via the Socio events platform. Now in its 6th year, this global forum has become an important staple for the global music community, facilitating important conversations to guide the industry’s collective actions in the upcoming calendar year.

Visit nylonconnect.com today for the full 2022 event agenda, speaker slate & bios, and registration details.