Arbagey Joins 19 Entertainment As EVP/Music

• 19 Entertainment, the Sony Pictures Television (SPT) company led by Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman, welcomes radio and music industry veteran Joey Arbagey as Executive Vice President of Music.

Arbagey joins 19 Entertainment after a decade with Epic Records, where he most recently served as EVP of A&R. In his new role, Arbagey will oversee the robust music business connected to 19 Entertainment’s eight-time Emmy®-winning show American Idol, and supporting the music division, overseeing 19 Recordings, 19 Publishing, and 19 Management, as well as related partnerships, including with distribution partner BMG.

Arbagey first came to industry prominence during a decade with KMEL/San Francisco, breaking a lot of artists back in the day. As EVP of A&R for Epic Records, he oversaw the creative process for artists includingCamila Cabello, Mariah Carey, John K, Eddie Benjamin, and more. Prior to moving into the pop space, he served as Head of A&R for Antonio “LA” Reid, overseeing a roster that included Future, Travis Scott, DJ Khaled, and Meghan Trainor. Hit songs for which Arbagey has been responsible include 5th Harmony‘s “Work from Home,” Camila Cabello‘s “Havana,” and dozens more.

Arbagey will now report to SPT Nonfiction President Eli Holzman and EVP of Production Rachel Dax. In a joint statement, Holzman and Dax said, “We are so glad to bring Joey aboard as we work to evolve our music division to address the needs of artists in the music industry of today. He is an outstanding executive with a strong track record across both the business and creative sides of the industry. His input will be invaluable as we continue to build the legacy of one of the most iconic institutions in music.”

Arbagey commented, “I couldn’t be more excited to join Eli, Aaron, and Rachel, and the rest of the 19 Entertainment team, particularly at this moment. They’ve built a music division with a roster that speaks for itself, and I look forward to working with them and our partners as we aim for even greater heights with our next chapter.”