From managing mega-stars to leading HYBE, Scooter Braun’s new journey prioritizes family and legacy.
The renowned music manager, famous for discovering Justin Bieber and managing stars like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande, is stepping down from his talent agency empire. Why is Scooter Braun retiring as a music manager and what is he doing next?
Braun Publicly released a heartfelt statement
Braun, who orchestrated the deal to acquire Quality Control Music label, announced his retirement on Monday (June 17):
“ 23 years ago a 19-year-old kid started managing an artist named Cato in Atlanta, GA and my journey began. Along the way I have had so many experiences I could never have dreamt of” the 47-year-old began in his statement.
The mogul’s management career afforded him opportunities to work with major stars in which he thanked them in a few sentences of his statement:
“I was excited the first time I heard Animals with Martin Garret, and learned a new world with David Guetta and Steve Angelo. I have watched Quavo grow to be an entrepreneur and served as Kanye’s ‘gateway drug to business’ as we had amazing years of success when I was once able to call him my friend.
However, Braun did not mention Taylor Swift in his statement, considering the fallout between them after Braun sold her music catalog for $300 million, prompting the megastar to record her “Taylor Versions” projects.
This contrasts sharply with his mention of the failed relationship with Kanye West, which stemmed from their fallout over a Yeezy brand deal.
Despite the relevant complexities of his career, Braun ensures that his company, SB Projects, will continue in his absence with Allison Kaye and Jennifer McDaniels handling his client lists.
There are no doubts about the mogul’s ability to succeed in his new venture.
Braun Steps Down: Sees Early Success as HYBE CEO with More to Come
Braun’s lengthy announcement cited the impact of his management career on his relationship with his growing children:
“As my children got older, and my personal life took some hits, I came to the realization that my kids were 3 superstars I wasn’t willing to lose.
He also revealed his new venture as the CEO of HYBE, the South Korean record label, talent agency, and music production company. This role could afford him more time with his family, reflecting his desire to balance his professional and personal life better.
“In this next chapter I have been honored to join as a board member of Hybe ” the music executive stated, later adding that his new roles consist of being “a father first, a CEO second, and a manager no more. “
Braun saw early success in his role as CEO of Hybe, thanks to his nurtured business relationship with Quality Control Executives—Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas.
This relationship led to the $320 million buyout of the hip-hop record label by HYBE in February 2023, with Braun’s role as CEO playing a crucial part in the deal. This deal cemented HYBE’s mission to “build a global entertainment giant related to entertainment, lifestyle, and culture.”
The mogul didn’t mention this successful venture or the executives in his retirement statement. Check out his full statement below:
