Scooter Braun has announced he has retired from the music management business.
The long-time manager of artists such as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Carly Rae Jepsen and Demi Lovato, among others, is looking to focus more on his current role as CEO of HYBE America, the South Korean entertainment company and leaders in the K-pop market.
Braun first made a name for himself as a concert promoter in Atlanta, GA, where he attracted the attention of legendary producer Jermaine Dupri. Braun subsequently formed RBMG (Raymond-Braun Media Group) with R&B superstar Usher, and eventually signed a 15-year-old Justin Bieber after discovering him on YouTube.
The Bieber signing quickly established Braun as a major player in the music industry, leading him to become manager for Grande, Jepsen, Lovato, David Guetta, Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, and K-pop star Psy.
Last summer, a number of Braun's high profile clients, including Bieber, Grande and Lovato, announced they had parted ways with the 43-year-old mogul, just months after he was promoted to HYBE's CEO.
"23 years. 23 years. That’s how long I have been a music manager," Braun began in his statement. "Along the way I have had so many experiences I could never have dreamt of. I have been blessed to have had a 'Forrest Gump'-like life while witnessing and taking part in the journeys of some of the most extraordinarily talented people the world has ever seen. I’m constantly pinching myself and asking 'how did I get here?'"
"And after 23 years this chapter as a music manager has come to an end," he continued. "In this next chapter I have been honored to join as a board member of Hybe and serve as the CEO of Hybe America. My brilliant partner these past 3 years, Chairman Bang [Si-Hyuk], has a vision I truly believe in. But even beyond that he has become a true friend who understands where I must be in my life these days. And that is a father first, a CEO second, and a manager no more."
This news of Braun's retirement comes just days after Ariana Grande's reps announced she would continue working with Braun and HYBE.
"Ariana Grande and HYBE, led by CEO Scooter Braun, look forward to continuing their long-standing business partnership and pursuing creative opportunities in Weverse and REM Beauty," reads the statement. "Grande in this new chapter will continue to be managed exclusively by Brandon Creed/Good World Management."
Read Braun's full statement below.