Armada Music has announced a series of new hires ahead of its 20th anniversary.
Armada, which claims to be “the biggest independent dance music label in the world”, was founded in 2003 by Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron and David Lewis.
Madeleine van Schendel joins as Chief Growth Officer, while Jop Bonnike, formerly General Manager, is promoted to Chief Operating Officer, and Michel Peek from Head of Publishing to General Manager Publishing.
Additionally, Nadine van Bodegraven, formerly on the executive team of Armada, joins BEAT, described as “the first-ever dance music investment company” founded by Armada Music, as Chief Operating Officer.
Amsterdam-based Armada Music – the indie label behind such dance/techno legends as Chicane and Paul Van Dyk – launched BEAT Music, in April and revealed plans to spend $100 million on M&A in its first two years.
At the time, BEAT, which stands for “Best Ever Acquired Tracks,” announced two acquisitions:
- The master recordings catalog of KMS Records, which was founded by house and techno legend Kevin Saunderson.
- The master and publishing catalogs of musician, DJ and producer ARTY, a.k.a. Alpha 9.
Joining as Chief Growth Officer, van Schendel previously served as a consultant for the label, and was responsible for implementing Web3 and NFT strategies for Armada co-founder and global DJ and record producer, Armin van Buuren.
Prior to that, she held roles at two of the world’s biggest media and advertising companies, WPP and Hogarth.
As CGO at Armada, she provides support for growth initiatives, helping to reshape the organization.
Van Schendel is based in the Amsterdam office and reports directly to Piron.
Armada has 100 employees across three countries and four offices in New York, London, Amsterdam and Laren, Netherlands.
The company claims to have “cultivated the globe’s biggest dance music catalog of over 40,000 tracks”. Aramda says that its catalog amasses 1 billion streams per month.
“After twenty years of business, it’s humbling to see the growth that Armada Music has experienced.”
Maykel Piron, Armada
“After twenty years of business, it’s humbling to see the growth that Armada Music has experienced,” said Maykel Piron, CEO and co-founder of Armada.
“As we prepare to usher in a new era, assembling a team of experienced, creative minds will only help further solidify and empower our status as a powerhouse label and spring the company forward.”
“I’m eager to join a team of like-minded individuals, focused on creating new possibilities for the future of dance music.”
Madeleine van Schendel, Armada
“Armada has a strong history of creativity and innovation, and the past twenty years are reflective of that,” said van Schendel.
“I’m eager to join a team of like-minded individuals, focused on creating new possibilities for the future of dance music.”Music Business Worldwide
