Downtown's New Boss Just Staged a Corporate Coup

The music industry chessboard just got flipped. Virgin Music Group didn’t just make a move; they took the whole board. Their latest power play? Snatching Downtown’s CEO, Pieter van Rijn, and installing him as their new Chief Operating Officer.

This isn’t a simple job change. It’s a full-scale takeover. The move coincides with the exit of VMG founder Justin Kalifowitz, ending his nearly twenty-year reign. Van Rijn isn’t just filling a seat; he’s essentially absorbing his former company’s influence into the Virgin empire. Talk about a hostile work environment… for everyone else.

So what does this mean for the indie landscape? One less major player, and one giant getting significantly heavier. The consolidation game is getting brutal. Is anyone’s corner office safe anymore?

Photo: Alf van Beem / CC0