Avex Expands Investments in the US
Tokyo entertainment giant Avex Inc. increases its investments in the United States.
Avex has acquired 100% of the S10 Music Publishing catalog and a further stake in S10 Management.
The company appointed industry veteran and S10 founder Brandon Silverstein as the chief executive director of the newly established Avex Music Group (AMG).
All assets and staff previously under Avex USA will now be consolidated under Avex Music Group, with headquarters located in Los Angeles, while the existing team and S10 operations will remain intact.
Avex USA head Naoki Siege has confirmed his departure from the company to pursue other endeavors.
Leadership and Future Goals
In his new role, Silverstein will oversee all operations for Avex Music Group, including S10 Music Publishing and S10 Management, as well as a full roster of events across AMG.
As a partner in AMG, Silverstein will also join the board of directors.
This acquisition gives Avex the largest share in S10’s management alongside Silverstein and Roc Nation, with S10 management maintaining separate operations under Silverstein’s leadership.
Silverstein will continue to own and lead S10 Records, which will remain an independent label.
Founded in 1988, Tokyo-based Avex Inc., often referred to as the fourth largest in Japan, employs 1,500 people across 14 offices and five sound recording studios worldwide.
Avex’s global revenue in 2024 was approximately 1 billion US dollars, and the company expanded into North America in 2021.
According to a press release from March 2025, Avex Music Group aims to enhance its portfolio of music publishing, promote Avex artists globally, and establish joint ventures with renowned artists and entrepreneurs while managing talent through their S10 management division.
“Avex has always had a bold vision: to shape the future of music,” said Katsumi Kuroiwa, CEO of Avex, Inc.
Katsumi Kuroiwa, Avex
Kuroiwa added: “By deepening our commitment and empowering Brandon to lead operations in the United States, we are not only expanding our footprint but also positioning Avex as a formidable force in the global music landscape.”
“My mandate is to transform Avex Music Group into a dynamic music company with comprehensive services that create global opportunities for our creative community.”
Brandon Silverstein
Silverstein commented: “Katsumi Kuroiwa and the entire team at Avex have been exceptional partners for me and will continue to be for the producers, songwriters, and artists of S10.”
“It’s a tremendous honor to work alongside Katsumi and contribute to the legacy of innovation and excellence at Avex. My mandate is to develop Avex Music Group into a dynamic music company that creates global opportunities for our creative community. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and excited for this next chapter with Avex.”
While discussing the reasons for Avex’s expansion into North America in 2021, CEO Katsumi Kuroiwa stated:
“As we develop our IP in the global market, we believe it is essential to provide quality music to the best creators in the United States while also keeping pace with the latest innovations in the music space. The establishment of Avex USA was initially a strategic move to meet these objectives quickly and effectively.”
“Our vision was to support Japanese artists entering the US market in the medium term and to establish a strong local presence in the long run. We have successfully laid the groundwork for this through our West Hollywood studio, Avex House, creating a cultural home of our own.”
“Consequently, we are beginning to see several tangible positive outcomes from our US operations, including a publishing agreement with Justin Bieber’s producer Harv and the signing of emerging artists.”
“This progress has prompted us to revise what we originally saw as a long-term goal, making the dual mission of growth in North America a current priority:
- Building a local business, which we anticipate will lead to further growth.
- Developing a business that connects Japan and the United States, leveraging one of our company’s unique strengths.
