Universal Music Group’s (UMG’s) merchandise and brand management company, Bravado, has announced new leadership appointments of Alyssa Tobias, vice president, head, creative services; Bill Ashton, head, A&R; Keith Taperell, vice president, global brand partnerships and energy marketing and Kim Youngberg, head, legal effective immediately.  

“As Bravado’s roster continues to expand, our company has evolved to ensure that we are giving our artists best-in-class support and services and excited to announced that Alyssa, Bill, Keith and Kim have joined our senior leadership team,” says Matt Young, president, Bravado.  

Tobias, an artist and creative director, will head up Bravado’s global creative team. Prior to Bravado, Tobias held the position of senior vice president, creative, Live Nation Merchandise where she built and oversaw the creative development and design for its roster of artists and brands.  

Ashton will drive new commercial and creative opportunities for Bravado’s portfolio of artists and brands. Most recently, Ashton was managing director for Songkick where he worked to position the live-music destination for success through innovations in technology.   

In the newly created role, Taperell will bring his expertise in evaluating and curating cultural moments and opportunities for Bravado's expansive list of artists on a global scale. Taperell will direct the execution, tone and vision across multiple categories and touchpoints with an emphasis on global fashion, streetwear and luxury brands. Taperell joined Bravado in 2020 as U.K. vice president of sales and retail, where he has been spearheading Bravado’s artist and fan engagement. Delivering local experiential retail projects such as the Elton John takeover of the Corner Shop at Selfridges London and the Queen Pop-Up store on Carnaby Street.  

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Youngberg will work across artist teams, retail, e-commerce and UMG’s brands and labels. Prior to joining Bravado, Youngberg was a partner at The Davis Firm.