Mike Van Named First-Ever CEO of Billboard

Billboard has appointed Mike Van as its first ever CEO, the publication announced on Monday, promoting Van from his previous post as president of the brand.

Van first joined Billboard in 2018 following stints at Pandora, Electric Arts and Complex. He was appointed president in 2022. As CEO, Van will oversee both the publication’s editorial and business divisions, with Billboard editor in chief Hannah Karp now reporting directly to Van. Van will report to Penske Media Corporation CEO Jay Penske. (PMC is also the parent company for The Hollywood Reporter.)

“Mike is a one-of-a-kind leader, visionary and partner,” Penske said in a statement. “His passion for the Billboard brand and clear vision for its future has always set him apart. Mike has fostered a collaborative environment with a team committed to building a formidable global business – innovating and trailblazing at every level. It has been inspiring to watch Billboard’s seismic growth over the last several years and I look forward to seeing the brand continue to thrive under Mike’s leadership.” 

As CEO, Billboard said Van will oversee the brand’s strategy, revenue, business operations, live experiences, international licensing, and brand partnerships. Aside from the publication and its industry-standard charts, Billboard also has notable live experiences like the Billboard Music Awards, Billboard Latin Music Week and Billboard Women in Music among others.

“It is the honor of a lifetime to lead Billboard and the team,” Van said in a statement. “Together, we have cultivated a culture of excellence. What we’ve built over the last several years has been nothing short of extraordinary, particularly in a media landscape marked by contraction and consolidation. I am deeply proud to carry this legacy forward as we shape the next 125 years by continuing to celebrate artist and executive achievements through our charts, content, global IP expansion and evolving our signature live experiences, cementing our position as the definitive voice of music business and culture.”