Stem Distribution has appointed Steff Hughes as head of international, Music Week can reveal.
The newly expanded leadership role is designed to further accelerate Stem’s global growth and deepen its support for artists and labels operating worldwide.
Hughes has 17 years of wide-ranging experience on award-winning campaigns for developing and globally renowned artists.
In his new role, Hughes will lead Stem’s international strategy, working closely with artists, labels and local partners to strengthen global releases, roll-out strategy and long-term career development.
Stem’s roster spans a diverse and globally active community of artists and labels, including international acts and partners such as Faouzia, Dimelo Flow and Big Family Music, alongside a growing slate of acts releasing music around the world.
“Hughes’ appointment reflects Stem’s continued investment in building infrastructure and expertise to support artists at every stage of international growth,” said a statement.
Based in London, Hughes has built a career spanning major and independent labels, artist and label services, and distribution.
He has joined Stem after more than six years at AWAL, where he spearheaded international marketing campaigns for a wide range of independent artists, including Djo, CMAT, Jungle, Laufey, Jvke, Lizzy McAlpine, Finneas, Samm Henshaw, Greentea Peng, and FKJ.
His work contributed to multiple billions of streams and numerous gold and platinum certifications worldwide.
His leadership strengthens our ability to help partners grow globally while staying independent and in control
Seth Faber
Hughes led the international strategy for Djo’s global hit End Of Beginning, collaborating closely with local teams to drive the track to a Global chart No.1 on Spotify. The track charted in more than 40 territories, peaking at No.1 in the UK, while Djo played a fully sold-out run on his first ever international tour.
“I’ve long admired Stem’s commitment to independence and artist-first thinking,” said Steff Hughes. “There’s a real opportunity here to rethink how international growth is approached – grounded in culture, fandom and local expertise, with a long-term strategy crafted for each artist’s individual needs rather than traditional one-size-fits-all playbooks.
“I’m excited to work with the fantastic Stem team to help artists and labels build meaningful, sustainable careers on a global scale, and am very grateful to Milana [Lewis], Kristin [Graziani] and Seth [Faber] for trusting me with this great opportunity.”
Prior to AWAL, Hughes spent over a decade at Universal Music Group, leading international marketing for frontline and catalogue releases by artists including Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra, Sting, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Alice Cooper and Eagles of Death Metal. He also oversaw international campaigns for major film soundtracks including Moana, Frozen and Star Wars.
“Steff brings deep market knowledge, cultural fluency and a track record of execution that aligns perfectly with how Stem supports artists and labels,” said Seth Faber, GM at Stem. “His leadership strengthens our ability to help partners grow globally while staying independent and in control.”
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