Vinny Kumar named president as EMPIRE expands globally
Independent music company EMPIRE has elevated Vinny Kumar to president of its publishing division while establishing operations across Africa under new managing director Munyaradzi Chanetsa. Kumar will direct the worldwide publishing team from the San Francisco headquarters as the firm extends its reach into additional international territories.
The promotion follows EMPIRE Publishing’s arrival in Billboard’s Hot 100 Publisher Rankings top 10 during 2024. The roster spans multiple genres and features Billy Ray Cyrus, Travis Greene, KEM, Juhn, Fireboy DML and Yung Lan, along with a partnership involving Hit-Boy. Writers represented by the company have earned recognition at ASCAP ceremonies across pop and country categories, plus BMI events honoring gospel and hip-hop creators.
EMPIRE launched African operations in February 2022 to serve musicians in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and the Ivory Coast. The California-based company has since moved into Asian markets by signing Korean performer G-Dragon and entered the Nordic regions. Founder Ghazi established EMPIRE in 2010 and credited Kumar for helping build the publishing arm into an international presence over nearly two decades.
