ROBB MCDANIELS NAMED CEO OF BEATPORT

By Variety Staff

Originally Published in Variety on October 17, 2017

Robb McDaniels has been named CEO of Beatport, the long-running download store for DJs, parent company LiveStyle announced today. In his new role, McDaniels will focus on strengthening the company’s position as the leading online music store for DJs and the global dance music community, according to a release. LiveStyle was formed in the wake of SFX’s bankruptcy in 2016 from several of that company’s assets including the Tomorrowland and Electric Zoo festivals.

McDaniels was the CEO of INgrooves, which he founded in 2002 and built into a full-service distribution and artist services operation. The company managed North American digital distribution for Universal Music Group, as well as more than 4 million songs for thousands of artists and labels. Most recently, he served as a Venture Partner for Dubai-based investment company TechInvest, and launched Faction Entertainment, a management services business with a client list including Thievery Corporation, Bonnie McKee, and others. He will continue to serve as Venture Advisor at TechInvest and Executive Chairman at Faction.

LiveStyle President/CEO Randy Phillips commented, “Beatport is in a period of resurgent growth and has recently returned to profitability. We are excited to have Robb take the reins of Beatport during this time and look forward to his innovative leadership to continue Beatport’s upward user trends, including the company’s increased visitors, users, and track sales.”

McDaniels commented, “I have known Beatport since its birth in 2004 as the preeminent DJ download store in the world. Ever since they easily convinced me to sign up INgrooves as a content partner, I have worked closely with many of the talented executives and passionate employees at the company. I know that Beatport, in partnership with its parent company LiveStyle, has the ingredients to dramatically increase the positive impact it can have on the dance and DJ community. We are looking forward to reigniting both innovation and value creation for our partners and customers at Beatport in 2018 and beyond.”