Billboard has announced that it’s promoting Leila Cobo and Jason Lipshutz to lead its editorial team. ‘
The pair, who were serving as chief content officer of Billboard Latin and the executive director of music, respectively, have now been elevated to co-chief content officers.
Cobo and Lipshutz will share total oversight of Billboard‘s editorial content and newsroom operations as well as marquee franchises including Women in Music, Latin Music Week, The Stage at SXSW and more. Additionally, Cobo will continue to oversee Billboard’s Latin music coverage while adding country music to her scope. Lipshutz will continue to oversee pop music, adding rock, hip-hop and dance to his role. Both will report to Billboard CEO, Mike Van.
“I am so proud to recognize two incredibly deserving talents within the organization,” Jay Penske, chairman and CEO, Penske Media Corporation, wrote in a statement. “Leila is one of the most well-regarded voices and leaders in Latin American music today. She has brought unprecedented awareness to the genre, championing talent and building globally recognized franchises that celebrate it. Similarly, Jason is one of the most trusted voices in modern pop music and brings passion and creativity to his work. I look forward to watching Leila and Jason helm Billboard’s editorial content and evolve it for the future.”
Van added in a statement, “We are thrilled to recognize such extraordinary leaders within our organization. What Leila has been able to create over the years through her commitment to excellence, deep relationships and passion for music is unprecedented. Additionally, watching Jason grow with Billboard over the years into such a respected and committed leader of the organization is incredible. Together, Leila and Jason bring unmatched expertise, enthusiasm balanced with vision, and business savvy to these roles positioning Billboard’s world class editorial content and events for a bold and exciting future.”
Born and raised in Colombia, Cobo is a Fulbright scholar with degrees in classical piano performance from Manhattan School of Music and a master’s in communications from the Annenberg School at USC. Since joining Billboard, she has transformed how Latin music is covered in the U.S. and spearheads Billboard Latin Music Week.
“It’s an honor to steer the content of Billboard, the most respected, forward-looking music media brand in the world,” Cobo said in a statement. “It is also a privilege to do so alongside Jason, an absolute encyclopedia of musical knowledge. I am thankful to Jay Penske and Mike Van for their unwavering belief in my ability and giving me this opportunity. I look forward to continuing to elevate diverse voices and genres, expanding Billboard’s storytelling, and shining a spotlight on the global music landscape.”
Lipshutz has covered iconic artists such as Taylor Swift, U2 and Lorde as a music journalist for over a decade, while guiding Billboard‘s editorial strategy across pop and mock music.
“I’m thrilled to lead an extraordinary team alongside my friend and colleague Leila Cobo, and grateful to PMC leadership for this opportunity,” Lipshutz wrote. “As someone who has worked at every level of the Billboard editorial team, I know the beating heart of this brand, understand the talent on our staff, and see the potential for what we can accomplish in the coming years.”