Marcus Ross

Background

About Marcus Ross

An experienced commercial leader in the entertainment industry, with a track record spanning BMG, FUGA, Pandora, and PlayNetwork. Currently, I manage the Spotify Global Key Account at BMG, overseeing the strategic partnership and maximizing platform impact for BMG’s catalog. Alongside this, I serve on the Advisory Board for In Place of War and lead its Hack Music initiative, providing grants, mentorship, and industry connections to empower grassroots music communities worldwide. My journey began as a musician and songwriter, recording two albums and touring across three continents before transitioning into the business side of music. In 2011, I moved into marketing as a Media Strategist at Cummins & Partners, specializing in branded events, campaign strategy, and client relationship management. In 2014, I co-launched the Melbourne division of Pandora Music, playing a key role in educating the advertising industry on Australia’s music landscape. As Senior Sales Executive, I bridged the gap between music and advertising, before stepping into Music Industry Relations, where I developed artist marketing programs and championed streaming’s impact on the Australian music ecosystem. Between 2018 and 2022, I took on senior leadership roles across the industry, including Brand Partnerships Lead at BMG Australia and Country Manager at PlayNetwork, where I built out Apple Music for Business across Australia, New Zealand, and APAC. Most recently, as Senior Licensing & Partnerships Manager at FUGA, I oversaw licensing and partnerships for more than 90 global DSPs, helping nearly clients optimize their catalog and content strategies. A seasoned speaker and moderator, I have presented at major global music conferences, including Tallinn Music Week, BigSound, Music Matters, ACCES Africa, and Amsterdam Dance Event, sharing insights on digital innovation, streaming strategy, and global music ecosystems.