Lyor Cohen

Lyor Cohen, currently serving as the Global Head of Music at YouTube, began his illustrious journey in the music industry in the 1980s with Rush Management and Def Jam. Over the years, he climbed up the corporate ladder, holding senior positions at various esteemed music corporations including Island Def Jam and Warner Music Group. In an innovative move, Cohen founded 300 Entertainment, a unique blend of a record label, marketing company, and distributor.

Throughout his career, Cohen has been instrumental in forging significant agreements that have reshaped the music industry. In 2006, he oversaw a groundbreaking agreement between Warner Music Group and YouTube, enabling Warner's music videos to be featured on the popular video-sharing platform in exchange for a share of advertising revenue. Not stopping there, Cohen managed another key agreement with Spotify on behalf of Warner Music Group's roster in 2011. His commitment to bridging the gap between technology and music communities is further evident in his current role at YouTube, which he assumed in December 2016.

Outside his professional pursuits, Cohen is known for his philanthropic commitments and industry affiliations. He serves as a board member for both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the National Independent Venue Association. Additionally, he is an acting Director for the New York-based charitable organization Boys & Girls Harbor. Cohen's expertise and leadership in the industry have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the City of Hope's Spirit of Life Award in 2023.