Hi-res music streaming platform Qobuz has opened a new office in the UK and has appointed London-based Managing Director, Ritch Sibthorpe, who will oversee the Northern Europe and Australasia region.
Sibthorpe’s appointment comes nine months after the company raised $11 milllion to fund its global expansion.
Qobuz also recently partnered with French digital music distributor TuneCore to make music from its roster of artists available on the hi-res streaming and download service.
Sibthorpe’s career spans 20 years, starting out in music journalism and brand PR before joining Warner Music Group as its Vice President, Digital Marketing and Content Partnerships.
There, he supported Atlantic Records, Nonesuch, Rhino, Warner Music UK and Warner Records.
Sibthorpe subsequently became Managing Director, Disney Music Group EMEA, leading the company’s regional recorded music, music publishing and live music businesses including Disney Music Publishing, Hollywood Records and Walt Disney Records.
Most recently, he led global marketing and PR for Chelsea Football Club’s digital ventures unit.
Elsewhere, Fabian Sautier has joined the company as Chief Brand Officer and Pierre Largeas as Managing Director of Southern Europe, both based in the company’s Paris HQ.
Fabian Sautier will spearhead Qobuz’s global marketing campaigns across Brand, Digital, Media, PR and Creative, while Largeas will manage commercial and operational activities to support revenue growth in France, Italy, Spain and affiliated markets.
Largeas has previously held positions at Airbus, Henkel, Jumia Group and iziwork.
Sautier brings 12 years’ international experience in strategic marketing, product development and innovation across multiple consumer industries.
Prior to Head of Marketing for Under Armour in France and Southern Europe, Sautier worked for L’Oreal for seven years as its Director of Global Marketing.
“I’m very excited about joining the Qobuz family.”
Ritch Sibthorpe
Ritch Sibthorpe said: “I’m very excited about joining the Qobuz family. It’s the ultimate choice for music aficionados seeking an alternative to the mainstream.
“The passion of the team and its undiluted focus on the art of music means Qobuz delivers the closest possible digital experience to spending time in your local neighbourhood record store.
“Connecting with music fans, artists, communities and cultures at a local level is at the heart of our philosophy and I look forward to helping develop, and support, the Qobuz community in the region.”
“We are excited to have three new exceptional hires join our rapidly growing team.”
Georges Fornay, Qobuz
Georges Fornay, CEO Deputy for Qobuz, added: “We are excited to have three new exceptional hires join our rapidly growing team.
“They will help expand Qobuz’s presence more globally and lead our world-class streaming and download platform for music lovers and audiophiles.
“I look forward to the energy and expertise each new hire will bring as we continue to support new talent, local artists, and stand up for high-quality sound and music culture.”Music Business Worldwide
