After a prolific 23-year career overseeing artists such as Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, Scooter Braun has announced his retirement from musical direction.
Braun, 42, issued a statement announcing the end of his “chapter” as a music manager, as he begins his latest role as a Hybe board member and CEO of Hybe America.
His statement began: ’23 years ago, a 19-year-old started managing an artist named Cato in Atlanta, GA, and my journey began. Along the way I have had so many experiences that I could never have dreamed of.
‘I have been fortunate to have had a “Forrest Gump”-like life while witnessing and participating in the journeys of some of the most extraordinarily talented people the world has ever seen. I constantly pinch myself and ask “how did I get here?” And after 23 years, this chapter as a music manager has come to an end.”
The news of Scooter’s retirement comes after he lost clients including Ariana Grande, Carly Rae Jepsen and Demi Lovato.
After a prolific 23-year career overseeing artists such as Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, Scooter Braun has announced his retirement from musical direction.
Scooter, who shares three children with his ex-wife, cited his children as the main reason he decided to leave the business.
‘All my adult life I played the role of 24/7 on-call arts manager. And for 20 years I loved it. It’s all I knew. But as my children grew up and my personal life took some hits, I realized that my children were three superstars that I was not willing to lose. The sacrifices I was once willing to make I could no longer justify. “It was time to take on a new role.”
Braun then tackled his next career move: becoming CEO of Hybe America last year. Variety reported last year that Braun became the company’s sole CEO.
‘In this next chapter, I am honored to join as a member of Hybe’s board of directors and serve as CEO of Hybe America. My brilliant partner these past three years, President Bang, has a vision that I truly believe in. But even beyond that, he has become a true friend who understands where I need to be in my life these days. And that is first being a father, then being a CEO and no longer being a manager.”
He reflected on his incredible career working alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande.
“Justin and Ariana were both teenagers when I started with them,” she wrote. “Watching them both become the legends they are today will forever be one of my greatest honors. As we change our working relationships now, I will continue to support them with the same passion as I did in each of their humble beginnings.
‘I remember the pranks and shows at the water park with Justin, and the first time Ari opened an arena tour and his excitement next to the stage. I remember when they both stepped up for others and I was able to witness how each of them changed the world and made history. There will never be a day when I am not proud and honored by what we accomplished together. The same can be said for many people I’ve had the pleasure of calling myself a “manager.”
He reflected on his incredible career working alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande.
Grande is no longer managed by Braun but continues to work with him
Braun became embroiled in a dispute with Taylor Swift over his teachers; Swift in the 2023 photo
Braun’s statement also alluded to controversies he faced during his time as a music manager, however he did not name them specifically.
‘A lot has been said about what is happening in our company… and in my career. When we were successful he smiled and when we were attacked he always tried to take the right path.
‘But over the last three years I have begun to feel that taking the high road has created confusion and ambiguity as to who we are. I may have left my management position and my business relationship with many clients may alter and change, but this does not mean that we, as a company, are leaving.
‘Both Allison Kaye and Jennifer McDaniels are more than capable of leading and as we combine new resources, the opportunities with their leadership are endless. These two incredibly powerful women will now take on a role that I know will become the most impressive female-led management business our industry has ever seen. While my name may have been on the door all these years, the truth is that there is no one as brilliant as Allison Kaye, and few can manage with the grace and poise of Jen McDaniels.
His statement announcing his retirement spanned several Instagram slides.
He continued: ‘We at Hybe will continue to grow. With the addition of QC to Hybe America and our existing business at Big Machine, we will continue to add incredible executives and artists to the roster. Our WeVerse platform and growing gaming unit is something the entire industry can celebrate and join together. Having the opportunity to A&R and Executive Produce Jung Kook’s solo career last summer and work with the other members of BTS as we break world records has been an absolute honor.
‘With new acts like NewJeans, TXT, LE SSERAFIM, Seventeen, ILLIT, The Scarlet Opera, Ava Max and many other new artists and companies, the future is bright. I am honored to join Chairman Bang and Jiwon Park as we grow HYBE from the multi-billion-dollar publicly traded company it is today to the multi-faceted global entertainment platform it is destined to be. With Hybe going strong, I also hope to continue investing in a new generation of entrepreneurs and serve as a national board member for Make A Wish and help people and communities through our family’s Braun Foundation. Between all this and training my kids, I’m not worried about being busy :)’.
‘So yeah, it’s been 23 years. And yes, this chapter has come to an end. But the great Berry Gordy once told me, “young man, this never ends the way you want it to, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.” That wisdom has proven correct. I never saw how this chapter would end, hell, I didn’t even see it happen. But that’s how it was. And I will cherish every moment. I made my plan…but it turns out I like God’s plan better. Health!’
