Billboard Celebrates Promotions of Lyndsey Havens, Dan Rys, Shira Brown, and Mary Rooney
Billboard Announces Key Promotions in Editorial Team
On January 20, Billboard revealed significant promotions within its editorial team, strengthening leadership across key areas. Lyndsey Havens will now serve as executive editor, while Dan Rys has been elevated to executive editor, business. Shira Brown takes on the role of senior vice president for video, and Mary Rooney is now senior vice president for experiences.
In addition, Leila Cobo and Jason Lipshutz have been appointed as co-chief content officers, succeeding Hannah Karp, who is leaving the company for a role at Warner Music.
Havens, previously a deputy editor, has been with Billboard since 2016, initially joining as an intern. Over the years, she has gained a reputation as a trusted voice in music journalism. Her work includes in-depth cover stories on prominent artists like Billie Eilish and Post Malone, as well as oversight of The Sound, Billboard’s music-focused section. Her dedication to reporting on music trends and innovative initiatives has significantly raised the publication’s editorial standards.
Rys previously held the position of director of business news and has established himself as an authoritative figure in music business journalism. With over a decade of experience, he has reported extensively on record labels, publishers, and streaming platforms. Rys is known for his engaging interviews with major industry figures, including Eminem and Lucian Grainge, and for leading investigative pieces on companies such as Universal Music Group and Primary Wave.
Both Havens and Rys will report directly to Cobo and Lipshutz, effective immediately. “Dan Rys has evolved from a tireless industry reporter to a leader of Billboard’s overall news and music business coverage over the past decade, while Lyndsey Havens has established herself as one of the most thoughtful and trusted editors in modern music journalism,” stated Cobo and Lipshutz.
Brown, recognized for her pivotal role in Billboard’s video initiatives, will now oversee audience and revenue growth across various platforms, including video, podcasts, and streaming services. Her efforts will focus on enhancing viewer experiences and expanding the publication’s video production quality.
Rooney’s promotion to SVP, Experiences, solidifies her importance in Billboard’s strategy for live consumer events. As the former VP of Events, she has successfully led initiatives like Billboard’s Women in Music and Latin Music Week, and now will oversee all signature business events to elevate the brand further.
Brown and Rooney will continue to report to Dana Droppo, Billboard’s chief brand officer. “Shira Brown’s leadership has been critical to our growth. In the last few years, she has guided a talented team and amplified our ability to reach music fans and professionals through video,” Droppo remarked. “Mary Rooney’s experiential expertise and razor-sharp event execution has pushed Billboard to new heights. These promotions are a testament to their essential contributions, and we couldn’t be prouder of our team.”
As Billboard celebrates its internal promotions, the company also bids farewell to longtime editorial director Hannah Karp, who distinguished herself by enhancing the publication’s editorial voice and maintaining its legacy of excellence in music industry coverage during her tenure.
