Music rights management company Bella Figura has set its sights on expanding into the U.S. market, appointing industry veteran Gary Gersh as Chairman in 2025 to lead the initiative. Gersh, who brings extensive experience across labels, management, and global touring, will spearhead the establishment of U.S. operations in Los Angeles while advising on global strategy and high-level partnerships. His background includes signing influential artists like Nirvana and Sonic Youth while at Geffen Records.
The company’s U.S. expansion coincides with a significant global administration deal signed with Sony Music Publishing in 2025. Under this arrangement, Sony Music Publishing UK will handle worldwide administration of Bella Figura’s songwriters and catalogs, connecting them to Sony’s extensive global network. This partnership promises to enhance placement opportunities for Bella Figura’s repertoire in film, television, video games, advertising, and brand campaigns through Sony’s sync and licensing division. The deal offers artists access to sync deals which have become increasingly important revenue streams in today’s music industry.
Founded by CEO Alexi Cory-Smith and backed by Chief Investment Officer Neelesh Prabhu, Bella Figura has deployed nearly $160 million acquiring music publishing and recording rights. The company’s commitment to preserving extraordinary music aligns perfectly with its strategic expansion initiatives. Artists under Bella Figura’s management will gain access to streaming distribution tools across major platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, and Tidal. The company completed a substantial equity funding round in April 2024, securing investments from private equity firm Freshstream, Canadian pension fund OPTrust, a strategic family office, and a Dutch private equity investor.
Operating with approximately 20 professionals globally, Bella Figura embraces a “quality above all else” philosophy, often likened to high-end craftsmanship. The company selectively curates catalogs designed to thrive across generations, prioritizing creative integrity and long-term value over rapid scale.
“Our expansion into the American market represents a natural evolution for Bella Figura,” a company representative explained.
“The Los Angeles office will serve as our U.S. hub for artist-centric, quality-driven music rights management.”
The strategic moves position Bella Figura to leverage Sony’s infrastructure and marketing capabilities while pursuing new creative opportunities and commercial partnerships specifically tailored to American audiences. With Gersh’s leadership and Sony’s global reach, Bella Figura aims to establish itself as a premium, artist-focused music rights platform in the competitive U.S. market.
