Exclusive

1/8/2026

'This is a company building with intention ... while staying deeply connected to culture,' says the former Motown Records chairwoman and CEO.

Ethiopia Habtemariam The Vxsionary

Ethiopia Habtemariam is stepping back into the music industry arena as president of music at HYBE America, Billboard can exclusively report. Habtemariam previously served as chairwoman and CEO of Motown Records before exiting that post in 2022.

Related

[

](https://www.billboard.com/music/features/ethiopia-habtemariam-interview-billboard-cover-story-2018-8463016/)

Habtemariam, whose appointment is effective immediately, will assist in advancing HYBE America’s “longterm strategy, spearheading A&R and artist development initiatives across the company’s label ecosystem and identifying new opportunities at the intersection of music, culture and fandom,” as noted in a press announcement. In addition, she will play a pivotal role in broadening HYBE America’s presence in Atlanta, where its Quality Control label is headquartered, calling the city “a global epicenter of R&B and hip-hop, further strengthening Quality Control’s presence and impact as Atlanta’s premier music company.”

Those initiatives are in tune with the South Korean music company’s burgeoning presence in the U.S. market and its genre expansion beyond K-Pop. HYBE launched its Latin American division in 2023 and acquired hip-hop label Quality Control Music the same year. In addition, Habtemariam’s new appointment reunites the music executive with Quality Control Music co-founders COO Kevin “Coach K” Lee and CEO Pierre “P” Thomas. While at Motown, she orchestrated a joint venture between QC and Motown in 2015, developing and overseeing the careers of artists such as Migos, Lil Baby, City Girls and Lil Yachty.

Based in Atlanta and Los Angeles, Habtemariam will report to HYBE America chairman and CEO . In announcing her appointment, Lee said, “Ethiopia is a once-in-a-generation leader whose impact on artists, songwriters, culture and the music business is undeniable. Her vision, taste and strategic insight make her uniquely suited to help shape the next chapter of HYBE America as we continue building a future-facing entertainment company centered on artists and fans.”