Online DJ brand Beatport has unveiled a strategic leadership evolution designed to guide the company’s next phase of growth.
Effective July 1, 2026, Robb McDaniels will transition into the role of executive chairman of the board of directors after nine years as Beatport’s CEO.
Matt Gralen, currently the company’s president & chief financial officer, will move into the CEO role. Helen Sartory, currently the company’s chief revenue officer, will be elevated to president & chief operating officer.
McDaniels, who joined in 2017, led the turnaround of Beatport after the bankruptcy of its former parent company, SFX Entertainment.
“Under his leadership, Beatport has cemented its position as the leading global brand for DJs and electronic music, with revenue more than quadrupling,” said a statement. “Today, Beatport serves over one million unique customers annually and offers a suite of a dozen products for DJs, artists, labels and producers.”
Prior to joining Beatport, McDaniels was the founder and CEO of Ingrooves Music Group, which was acquired by Universal Music Group in 2019.
“Working with Beatport’s incredible team, artists and business partners has been the most rewarding experience of my career,” said Robb McDaniels. “I am so proud of what our organisation has accomplished since 2017, and I know that Matt, Helen, and the entire leadership team will expand on the category-defining position we have built.
“As executive chairman, I will continue to be involved in the company’s partnerships and planning, and I will be a sounding board for Matt and Helen as they take Beatport to the next level.”
Working with Beatport’s incredible team, artists and business partners has been the most rewarding experience of my career
Robb McDaniels
Since joining in 2022, Matt Gralen and Helen Sartory have played “key roles in positioning Beatport as a cornerstone of the global dance music economy”, according to the announcement. Gralen has steered the company’s strategy and operations, while Sartory has overseen Beatport’s product portfolio.
During their tenure, Beatport has scaled its streaming offering for DJs, added several products and services for artists and labels, and expanded its reach across dance music culture with over 50 Beatport Live events held in 2025.
“Beatport is a pillar of dance music culture whose focused service to DJs, artists and labels cannot be replicated,” said Matt Gralen. “I am honoured to guide our platform into a new chapter alongside our passionate team, as we work to deliver positive outcomes for both our customers and our business. Robb has been a phenomenal leader and mentor, and I am excited to continue the strong partnership that he, Helen and I have had for the last several years.”
“From my first day, working on the Beatport mission alongside Robb has been incredibly rewarding, and as a team we’ve seen tremendous progress over the last few years,” said Helen Sartory. “I’m excited to be working alongside Matt for the next stage of the company’s evolution, as we continue to innovate for Beatport’s DJ community, our artist and label ecosystem, and the dance music industry as a whole.”
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