January 9, 2026
Ethiopia Habtemariam returns to the music C-suite as HYBE America’s new President of Music.
Veteran music government Ethiopia Habtemariam is making her return to the industry after a short hiatus, stepping in as HYBE America’s new President of Music.
Effective instantly, Habtemariam will help increase HYBE America’s footprint in Atlanta, dwelling to its Quality Control label, Billboard studies. As HYBE deepens its U.S. presence, the corporate is tapping Atlanta’s standing as a worldwide hub for R&B and hip-hop, with Habtemariam tasked with strengthening Quality Control’s affect and impression as the town’s main music powerhouse.
“I’ve lengthy admired how HYBE America approaches artists, followers, and the way forward for leisure,” Habtemariam mentioned in an announcement. “This is an organization constructing with intention and investing for the long run whereas staying deeply related to tradition. I’m excited to contribute my expertise as HYBE America continues to form what’s subsequent for music on a worldwide scale.”
She additionally shared her pleasure in regards to the new function in an Instagram publish, which drew enthusiastic help from the Quality Control workforce.
“I really like music. I really like serving to people who find themselves blessed with the reward of music. Let’s get it 🙏🏾🤞🏾,” she captioned her publish, with Quality Control Music CEO Pierre ‘P’ Thomas responding with the cool face emoji.
Habtemariam, former chairwoman and CEO of Motown Records, will assist drive HYBE America’s long-term technique by main A&R and artist growth throughout its labels as the corporate expands past Okay-pop within the U.S. Her appointment reunites her with Quality Control co-founders Kevin “Coach Okay” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas, with whom she beforehand partnered at Motown to develop artists together with Migos, Lil Baby, City Girls, and Lil Yachty.
Thomas mentioned he and Habtemariam have “a protracted historical past of working collectively, pushing boundaries, and breaking obstacles on this trade. Her ardour for artists, dedication to tradition, and deep understanding of the music panorama make her a unprecedented chief.”
“Working with Ethiopia once more feels full circle,” Lee added. “From the early days in Atlanta, we constructed one thing particular at Quality Control, and it means loads to see that legacy proceed on this subsequent chapter.”
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