Downtown Names Whelchel Chief People Officer
• Downtown Music Holdings has named Love H. Whelchel as its first-ever Chief People Officer. In his new role, Whelchel will work closely with the company’s leadership on talent acquisition, engagement, training and development, employee experience, infrastructure and organizational design for Downtown’s 600+ employees around the world.
“Throughout his impressive career, Love has guided the human resources function for a wide range of diverse companies,” said Andrew Bergman, CEO of Downtown Music Holdings. “I’m excited to collaborate with Love as he takes a lead role in ensuring that we have the best people and culture in the business.”
For more than two decades, Whelchel has served as a global people consultant in the technology, marketing communications, and fashion industries. He has headed the HR departments for agencies within WPP, IPG and Publicis and served as Chief Human Resources Officer for Sean “Puffy” Combs‘ companies Combs Enterprises and Bad Boy Worldwide. Whelchel was also a principal in the mobile app company BINKABLE until 2019.
“From the moment I began to speak with Andrew about the opportunity to join Downtown, I have been impressed with the depth of expertise at every company in our portfolio,” Whelchel said. “Every company and organization has been challenged in recent years by both predictable and surprising events. How we support our teams through these challenges is critical to the health and success of any company. I’m truly thrilled to be part of the team guiding the Downtown workforce through the next phase of our growth and opportunities. We are in the best position to support and service creativity at every level of the music industry. With offices around the world and a diverse and highly talented workforce, Downtown is one of the most exciting music companies in the world, and as a musician myself, I’m thrilled to be a part of the team guiding our workforce and music creators into the future.”
Bergman added, “Our commitment to our team and clients is top of mind in everything we do at Downtown. Having Love’s leadership and energy lead that commitment is the beginning of an incredible new chapter for us.” [Photo by Ebru Yildiz]
