Music Industry 40 Under 40: Executives and Power Players 2026

Billboard has released its highly anticipated 2026 edition of the Music Industry 40 Under 40, a prestigious list recognizing young executives whose innovative leadership and dedication are steering the next generation of the music business. Unlike many power rankings, this annual feature ensures that honorees appear only once, underscoring the rapid influx of fresh talent across all corners of the industry.

At the forefront this year is Hilary Gleason, co-founder and executive director of Backline, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health support and wellness resources to music professionals and their families. Gleason’s focus on wellness marks a vital dimension of the industry’s evolving priorities, highlighting the increasing recognition of mental health as foundational to sustainable careers in music.

The list encompasses a broad spectrum of roles, from artist management and label services to technology and live event production. Max Gredinger of Foundations has been instrumental in elevating Gen Z jazz-pop artist Laufey to international prominence, while Shirin Nury of Creative Artists Agency has propelled the touring careers of artists like Gracie Abrams and Tate McRae to arena-level success, illustrating the dynamic forces shaping artist development and live experiences today.

Technological innovation is another critical theme among this cohort. Allen, Virgin Music Group’s chief technology officer, has overseen significant shifts following the 2023 acquisition of Curve Royalty Systems by Downtown Music Holdings and its subsequent integration into Virgin. His leadership in managing product development, data security, and the application of artificial intelligence reflects the complex challenges the industry faces amid rapid digital transformation.

Expansion into global markets also features prominently. A 36-year-old executive at HYBE has been central in establishing the label’s Latin America division as a creative and strategic hub, notably launching Santos Bravos, a Latin boy band that has quickly amassed over 150 million streams worldwide. This development signals the growing importance of localized talent ecosystems within the global music framework.

Within the realm of corporate strategy and acquisitions, a Warner Music Group senior vice president has played a pivotal role in integrating newly acquired labels and businesses, including the recent purchase of Revelator and the absorption of 10K Projects. His multifaceted experience, spanning financial negotiations to partnership cultivation, illustrates the intricate business maneuvers shaping major music conglomerates.

The live music and touring sectors are well represented by executives responsible for groundbreaking projects. From managing landmark residencies in innovative venues like Las Vegas’s Sphere to orchestrating record-breaking stadium concerts, these professionals are redefining fan engagement and logistical execution on an unprecedented scale. Their work underscores the resilience and creativity needed to sustain live music’s profitability and cultural impact.

In the realm of music publishing and synchronization, leaders who facilitate song placements in film, television, and advertising continue to expand opportunities for artists and songwriters. Notably, the integration of music into diverse media formats is highlighted as a significant growth area, with efforts extending into emerging sectors such as video game soundtracks, which are gaining mainstream commercial traction.

Festival direction and event production are also key areas of influence, with seasoned executives managing iconic festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach. Their responsibilities encompass everything from enhancing audience experience to pioneering ambitious artistic collaborations, such as immersive installations and multimedia exhibitions, reflecting the multifaceted nature of contemporary festival culture.

The 40 Under 40 list also reflects the industry’s commitment to nurturing creative partnerships. Visual creative executives are forging novel collaborations that blend music with film and live performance, exemplified by projects that leverage cutting-edge technology to reimagine concert experiences. These endeavors demonstrate how visual storytelling is becoming integral to artist branding and fan connection.

Overall, Billboard’s 2026 40 Under 40 highlights a generation of music professionals who are not only navigating but actively shaping an industry in flux. Their diverse expertise—spanning wellness advocacy, technological advancement, global market expansion, corporate strategy, live event innovation, and cross-media integration—points to a resilient and adaptive future for music. As they continue to drive change, their collective impact promises to sustain the industry’s vitality amid evolving cultural and technological landscapes.