Scooter Braun officially retires from talent management after leaving last year

Scooter Braun announced Monday that he is officially retiring from managing some of the music industry’s biggest stars as he fully embraces his role as CEO of Hybe America and spends more time with his children.

The news isn’t entirely unexpected, as last year it made headlines that Braun’s company, SB Projects, had parted ways with singers Demi Lovato and Idina Menzel. Reports also speculated that Braun was potentially feuding with Justin Bieber, one of his oldest clients, and Ariana Grande.

But Braun issued a statement officially declaring that, after more than 20 years, “this chapter as a music entrepreneur has come to an end.” The change was at least two years in the making, but Braun said a conversation with a customer last year solidified the decision.

“One of my biggest clients and friends told me he wanted to spread his wings and go in a new direction,” Braun said. “We’ve been through so much together over the last decade, but instead of being hurt, I saw it as a sign.”

Braun’s investment company, Ithaca Holdings, merged with Hybe America, a branch of a South Korean entertainment company, in 2021. As part of the sale, Braun was offered the role to run U.S. operations.

He described his work-life balance as unsustainable, especially as his family life suffered. Braun and his ex-wife, Yael Cohen, filed for divorce in 2021.

As a talent manager, Braun noted that he was constantly at the beck and call of some of the industry’s biggest stars, 24 hours a day, without a day off.

“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,” he said. “The sacrifices I was previously willing to make could no longer be justified. It was time to take on a new role.”

Braun said in his statement that he was excited to help Hybe grow and invest in new talent through his role as CEO, while also reflecting on how far Bieber and Grande have developed since he began managing them as children. .

“Seeing them both become the legends they are today will forever be one of my greatest honors,” said Braun. “As we change our working relationships now, I will continue to root for them with the same passion I did in each of their humble beginnings.”

A spokesperson for Grande said in a statement last week that she will be managed by Good World Management going forward, but both she and Braun hope to “continue their long-standing business partnership.”

Although Braun is stepping down as manager, his company will continue to manage clients while Allison Kaye and Jennifer McDaniels lead the company.

“These two incredibly powerful women will now step into a role that I know will grow into the most impressive female-led management business our industry has ever seen,” he said.