Independent distributor and artist and label services company IDOL has appointed Evan Whikehart as its new general manager for North America.
Starting this week, Whikehart will lead the company's growth across both North and Latin America. Brooklyn-based Whikehart will oversee IDOL’s regional network including the labels Mexican Summer, Moderna Records and HighNote Records, alongside artists Tokimonsta, Erick The Architect (Flatbush Zombies) and The Presidents Of The United States of America.
As well as digital distribution and marketing, Whikehart will help roll out D2C services in the US (expected to launch in Q3 2026), bringing his expertise in physical distribution to help expand that side of the business. Through third-party partnerships, IDOL will build clients’ online stores and manage physical music and merchandise sales.
Evan brings a rare dual perspective from both the label and distribution sides”
Pascal Bittard
Whikehart brings two decades of experience in independent music, most recently at Secretly Distribution where he built its Label & Shared Services division from the ground up. From 2020 onwards, he directed campaigns for Hayley Williams, Sufjan Stevens, Santigold, The War On Drugs and more, while also developing a number of B2B partnerships including A24 Music.
In 2015, Whikehart was appointed as project manager at Secretly Group where he managed Grammy-nominated campaigns for artists on the Dead Oceans, Jagjaguwar and Secretly Canadian rosters, including Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers and Mitski.
Pascal Bittard, founder and president, IDOL, said: “Evan brings a rare dual perspective from both the label and distribution sides that will help IDOL expand our operations across North America and LATAM. But beyond his impressive track record, he understands our values as a truly independent organisation.”
Whikehart added: “I have long admired IDOL’s patient and fully independent approach to building meaningful relationships and supporting long-term label and artist development. I am incredibly excited to join the team and look forward to providing our partners with the highest standard of service across every stage of their campaigns.”
His appointment comes as IDOL sees its North American consumption grow by 25% in the past five years. The region now accounts for nearly a third of the company’s global revenue, which surpassed $50 million for the first time last year.
