APG’s Executive Enhancement Initiative
Artist Partner Group (APG) announced four executive moves, starting with the hire of Corey Calder as SVP, Marketing & Brands. At the same time the company performed three strategic promotions — Edgar Machuca, a.k.a. Edd Grand is upped to VP, A&R, Artist Publishing/APG & Warner Music Group; Olly Sheppard is upped to VP, Film & Television Synchronization, Artist Publishing & APG; and Devon Libran is upped to VP, Video & Content Production, APG. (Pictured, l-r: Calder, Grand, Sheppard & Libran).
Calder, Sheppard, and Libran report to APG EVP Elyse Rogers, while Machuca/Grand will continue to report to APG CEO, Mike Caren. Rogers remarked, “Corey’s a proven marketing mind and passionate music fan who brings a broad range of experience and strong relationships with key brands across industries. He’s a dynamic thinker and will play a vital role in developing our artists and their brands. The elevation of Edgar, Olly, and Devon is well deserved, and further rounds out our growing leadership team so we can continue to deliver a high level of service to our roster.” Caren commented, “Olly and Ed are versatile creative forces who’ve seamlessly worked across our recording and publishing divisions. Olly’s a rising force in sync and soundtracks while Ed’s dual role working A&R for our partners at Warner Music Group has resulted in top hits.”
Calder was most recently Head of Content & Digital Strategy at sports marketing and talent management powerhouse Wasserman. Prior to that, he held a variety of roles with the L.A. Clippers, Warner Records, Apple and Beats Music.
Grand started his career as an intern at Atlantic Records and was quickly promoted to a dual A&R role for the label and APG. He’s since connected top artists that resulted in smash hits including, Halsey for “Without Me,” G-Eazy & Cardi B for “No Limit,” and Cardi B, J. Balvin & Bad Bunny for the Grammy-nominated hit “I Like It,” which he also co-wrote.
UK native Sheppard joined Warner Music Group in 2012 handling TV & film sync for Warner Music UK before making the move to APG. Libran joined APG in 2019 as Sr. Director of Video Content & Production. An actor and producer, Libran started his career as co-owner of JustPressRec where he focused on music videos and branded content for various brands.
Artist Partner Group has dedicated A&R, marketing, sync, video content, art, international, and recording studios. It’s a fully integrated and supported arm of Warner Music Group’s Atlantic Records, providing an array of white label services for artists, producers, and music entrepreneurs seeking creative freedom, business development, and broad resources.
