Scooter Braun, who helped propel singers Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande to global stardom and feuded with Taylor Swift over the rights to their master recordings, has stepped down as a music manager.
“After 23 years, this chapter as a music manager has come to an end,” Braun announced in a lengthy statement shared Monday on Instagram. He revealed that he will leave management behind to become CEO of HYBE America, a subsidiary of BTS label owner HYBE. He will also serve as a member of the board of directors of HYBE, which in 2021 merged with Ithaca Holdings.
In his statement, Braun recalled the beginning of his career at age 19, the pinching moments that followed and the toll of having been “a 24/7 on-call artist manager” for “the entirety of his career.” my adult life.” about his personal ambitions.
“But as my children grew up and my personal life took some hits,” he said, “I realized that my children were three superstars that I was not willing to lose. The sacrifices I was once willing to make I could no longer justify. It was time to take on a new role.”
The decision to become CEO of HYBE America and leave management behind had been brewing for the past two years, he said. Braun, 42, said he found inspiration to embark on a new chapter after “one of my biggest clients and friends,” whom he did not name, decided to “go in a new direction.” For Braun, that was “a sign.”
Amid this transition, Braun said he has grown closer to HYBE president Bang Si-Hyuk, who he said understands what Braun wants to be in the next chapter.
“And that is first a father, then a CEO and no longer a manager,” he said in his post, shared a day after Father's Day.
Braun reflected on his list of collaborators, including Grammy winners Tori Kelly, David Guetta, Kanye “Ye” West and Usher. Other collaborators include rapper Lil Dicky, Demi Lovato, Carly Rae Jepsen, Quavo, Dan + Shay and the Black Eyed Peas. According to his letter, Braun will always have a soft spot for his first clients Bieber and Grande, who began their careers in their teens.
“Watching them both become the legends they are today will forever be one of my greatest honors,” he said, before adding that he will continue to support the signatories. He expressed similar support for the other artists who have crossed his path.
He added: “Every client I have had the privilege of working with has changed my life and I know many of them are just beginning to see the success they deserve. I will cheer for each one of them.”
He clarified that his Scooter Braun Projects is here to stay, now under the leadership of presidents Allison Kaye and Jennifer McDaniels. Braun also teased further growth at HYBE and collaborations with K-pop acts, including BTS singer Jungkook and groups NewJeans, Le Sserafim, Seventeen “and many other new artists and companies.”
Braun concluded his statement by sharing the wisdom of recording executive Berry Gordy: “It never ends the way you wanted it to, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.”
Braun added: “That wisdom has been proven correct. I never saw how this chapter would end, hell, I didn't even see it happen. But that's how it was. And I will cherish every moment. I made my plan…but it turns out I like God's plan better. Health!”
