Michele Bernstein Leaving WME, Launching Music Marketing Consultancy Firm

Courtesy WME – Michele Bernstein
Tour marketing veteran Michele Bernstein announced her departure from WME on Tuesday, as well as the launch of a new music marketing consultancy firm, Michi B, Inc.

WME partner Michele Bernstein announced her departure from the agency on Tuesday, along with the formation of new music marketing consultancy firm Michi B, Inc.

According to a statement from WME, “Bernstein’s new company will provide a broad array of marketing and brand consultancy services to artists and companies in the music business.  Endeavor will become a client of Bernstein’s firm as part of a long-term agreement, and Bernstein will continue to advise current WME client projects under her management.”

Bernstein’s announcement concludes an 18-year tenure with the firm, the final six of which were spent as partner. While there, Bernstein oversaw the growth of WME’s global tour marketing team, along with the tours for major artists including Pearl Jam, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd and Drake.

“The modern music business demands a unique perspective in capturing consumers where they listen and how they consume music, and Michi B. Inc. aims to converge all of that into individualized campaigns for each of our clients,” Bernstein said in a statement. “I am tremendously grateful for this chapter at WME, and equally grateful to be able to continue working with these colleagues and clients, all of whom have become an integral part of my life.”

In a statement, WME music co-heads Scott Clayton, Lucy Dickins and Kirk Sommer described Bernstein as a “visionary,” adding that the agency is “beyond grateful for all of her contributions” and that they “look forward to continuing to work alongside her and supporting her in her new venture for many years to come.”

Bernstein was named to Pollstar‘s inaugural Impact 50 list in 2019.

John Adams, Levi Jackson, Danny Lieberman, Joao Pedro Viana and Sara Williams will continue to lead WME’s tour marketing team.

The announcement continues a period of change for WME. In late June, partner and head of music Marc Geiger announced his departure after 17 years, and co-head of music Sara Newkirk Simon shared plans to transition to a consultant role with parent company Endeavor. Meanwhile, Dickins was elevated from her position as head of the agency’s UK music division to co-head of its music division, joining Clayton and Sommer.