Japanese entertainment powerhouse Avex has tapped music executive Brandon Silverstein to spearhead its American expansion, naming him CEO of the newly formed Avex Music Group on March 25, 2025.
The appointment comes as Avex, a company with 1,500 employees across 14 global offices and approximately $1 billion in 2024 revenue, seeks to strengthen its international influence in the highly competitive music marketplace.
Avex CEO Katsumi Kuroiwa explained the strategic vision: “By deepening our commitment and entrusting Brandon to lead our U.S. operations, we are positioning Avex as a potent force in the international music landscape.”
The move includes Avex’s acquisition of 100% of S10 Music Publishing and an increased stake in S10 Management, giving it the largest share alongside Silverstein and Roc Nation.
Silverstein, who founded S10 Entertainment in 2017, began collaborating with Avex in 2020 through a publishing joint venture. Their partnership expanded in May 2024 with Avex’s initial investment in S10 Entertainment’s management division.
“My mandate is to build Avex Music Group into a dynamic, full-service music company that creates global opportunities for our creative community,” said Silverstein, who will join Avex Music Group’s board while maintaining leadership of S10 Management and independently owning S10 Records.
The collaboration has already delivered results, with S10 and Avex placing three songs in Mediabase’s year-end Top 40 radio chart top 20, including the #1 hit “Greedy” by Tate McRae.
Silverstein brings significant credentials to the role, having been recognized on Billboard’s “Power 100” and Forbes’ “30 Under 30” lists. Under his guidance, S10 has generated 22 global #1 hits and amassed 50 billion streams across artists like Justin Bieber, Doja Cat, and Bad Bunny.