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.

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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 Isaac Lee. 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.”

Under the HYBE banner, Lee also oversees Big Machine Label Group and the company’s investments with Universal Music Group in artists such as KATSEYE. As president of music, Habtemariam will also collaborate closely with UMG.

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“I’ve long admired how HYBE America approaches artists, fans and the future of entertainment,” said Habtemariam in a statement. “This is a company building with intention and investing for the long term while staying deeply connected to culture. I’m excited to contribute my experience as HYBE America continues to shape what’s next for music on a global scale.”

Habtemariam was promoted to chairwoman and CEO of Motown in 2021 after six years serving as president of the iconic label. During her term as chair/CEO, Motown began operating as a standalone label with a roster that included Vince Staples. In addition to partnering with Quality Control Music under Habtemariam’s watch, Motown signed Leon Thomas and NBA YoungBoy.

“Working with Ethiopia again feels full circle,” Coach K said in a statement. “From the early days in Atlanta, we built something special at Quality Control, and it means a lot to see that legacy continue in this next chapter.”

Added Thomas, “Ethiopia and I have a long history of working together, pushing boundaries and breaking barriers in this industry. Her passion for artists, commitment to culture and deep understanding of the music landscape make her an extraordinary leader. I’m excited for what we will build together in this next chapter.”

During her more than two-decade tenure with Motown parent company Universal Music Group, Habtemariam held senior executive posts with Capitol Music Group and Universal Music Publishing Group. Advancing from creative manager to president of urban music & co-head of creative at UMPG, she oversaw signings that included Chris Brown, Theron Thomas, J. Cole, Justin Bieber, Ciara, Jhené Aiko and Hit-Boy.