Rhapsody Names Former UMG Exec As First CEO
Who knew that Rhapsody and Napster didn't have a CEO? Since a 2010 spin-off from RealNetworks, the streamer has been run by a series of interim execs, none of which had full CEO status, until today.
Rhapsody has hired its first CEO, Mike Davis. Previously, Davis led the content and distribution (UMGD) divisions as EVP and GM of Universal Music Enterprises (UME). More recently, Davis was a senior operating consultant for The Gores Group.
“I am thrilled to join Rhapsody at such a dynamic time for both the company and the music industry,” said Mike Davis, chief executive officer, Rhapsody International. “For 15 years, Rhapsody has led innovation in streaming music and remains a best-in-class streaming music service. Thanks to the biggest and best partners in the world and a roadmap of innovative new features, we are primed for continued global growth during one of the most pivotal years in music.”
New Stats
Along with the CEO announcement came some new stats: In the past 90 days, listening hours have increased by 15%, and the number of hours subscribers listen to music with Rhapsody’s mobile apps is up nearly 40% in the last year as a result of product features like Rhapsody KIDS and the Listener Network.
