FUGA bolsters marketing team with new hires and promotions in the US and UK – Music Business Worldwide

Downtown-owned B2B distributor FUGA is expanding its team with a number of senior marketing hires and promotions.

Helen Barrass joins FUGA’s UK team as Head of Marketing Strategy, following her role as Senior Marketing Director & Head of Artist & Label Development at AWAL UK.

Based in the company’s London office, Barrass will report directly to Craig May, FUGA’s Head of Marketing Services.

Barrass has over 15 years of industry experience across various independent labels, including Warp Records, and has run campaigns for artists including Little Simz, Tom Misch, The Wombats and Gerry Cinnamon.

Ryan Stockwell joins FUGA’s LA office as Senior Marketing Services Director – Americas.

Stockwell was previously the Director of Product Management at Create Music Group and Day-to-Day manager for Galantis and Skrillex.

Stockwell joins an LA office that works with clients such as Epitaph and Dim Mak.

Further hires include Juli Miranda, who has joined FUGA’s Amsterdam office as Digital Campaign Manager, and Gemma Hart and Chiara Benedetti, who join FUGA as Digital Accounts Manager, UK and Marketing Operations Coordinator respectively.

FUGA’s round of promotions include Melissa Fernie, who is now Head of Audience Engagement following her role as Audience Engagement Manager.

Laura van der Sanden has also moved into the role of Marketing Services Director – Analytics & Operations.

Massimo Reali has been promoted to Marketing Services Director – Southern Europe/Eastern Europe/Nordics, and Karma Bertelson who has stepped into the Marketing Strategy Manager role for the UK following her position as Audience Insights Manager.

In her new role as Head of Audience Engagement, Fernie will work with British alt-rock duo, Nova Twins.

FUGA says the band will gain access to an “enhanced partnership” between their label Marshall Records and FUGA, which includes audience engagement and insights, digital advertising, DSP pitching and social media strategy.

“FUGA is at the forefront of the independent music industry.”

Helen Barrass

Helen Barrass, said: “FUGA is at the forefront of the independent music industry and I’m thrilled to join such an innovative, forward-thinking company at such an exciting time.

“I’m honored to be taking on such a pivotal role, helping bolster FUGA’s already strong marketing expertise and offerings, whilst amplifying our client’s campaigns on a global scale.”

“FUGA’s Marketing Services team continues to grow at an exceptional rate.”

Craig May, FUGA

Craig May, Global Head of Marketing services for FUGA, added: “FUGA’s Marketing Services team continues to grow at an exceptional rate, and under the leadership of pioneering executives like Helen and Ryan, we’re able to expand our offering to clients even further.

“The Marketing Services team and its work with artists such as Don Diablo and Will Joseph Cook – including extensive audience engagement campaigns – has been well acclaimed and I’m excited to work with everyone in their new roles.”

“Nova Twins are one of the most unique and exciting bands in the world.”

Peter Capstick, Marshall Records

Peter Capstick, Label Manager for Marshall Records, said: “Nova Twins are one of the most unique and exciting bands in the world that demand creative, talented and dedicated people to support their incredible career.

“We are immensely proud of what we are achieving working with FUGA, with the access to insights and analytics that help inform strategy across the bands business, alongside social media strategy, digital advertising and nurturing relationships with DSP’s, FUGA once again show they are at the forefront of the independent music sector.”

FUGA’s newest hires and promotions follow a recent expansion for the company in Germany where the company recently opened an office in Berlin.

The company also recently completed a global distribution and marketing services deal with Stockholm-based label YEAR0001.

FUGA was bought by Downtown in 2020 for an undisclosed sum.Music Business Worldwide