Billboard Appoints New Co-Chief Content Officers, Leila Cobo And Jason Lipshutz

Billboard is marching towards a new era with Leila Cobo and Jason Lipshutz being elevated as Co-Chief Content Officers to lead its editorial team.

Cobo was previously the Chief Content Officer of Billboard Latin, while Lipshutz served in his role as its Executive Director of Music. The pair will now share oversight of the Billboard editorial content and newsroom operations, as well as marquee franchises and events, including Women in Music, Latin Music Week, and The Stage at SXSW, among others. The pair’s appointment as Co-Chief Content Officers comes after the departure of Hannah Karp, a longtime editor at Billboard, recently serving as the publication’s Editor-In-Chief.

Cobo will continue to oversee Billboard Latin‘s music coverage with the addition of Country Music to her scope. Lipshutz, on the other hand, will continue to oversee Pop Music, adding Rock, Hip-Hop, and Dance to his role. Both will report to Billboard CEO Mike Van, effective immediately.

“I am so proud to recognize two incredibly deserving talents within the organization,” said Jay Penske, Chairman and CEO of Penske Media Corporation. “Leila is one of the most well-regarded voices and leaders in Latin American music today. She has brought unprecedented awareness to the genre, championing talent and building globally recognized franchises that celebrate it. Similarly, Jason is one of the most trusted voices in modern pop music and brings passion and creativity to his work. I look forward to watching Leila and Jason helm Billboard’s editorial content and evolve it for the future.”

Van shared his enthusiasm for having “extraordinary leaders” guiding the publication’s editorial content into the future. “What Leila has been able to create over the years through her commitment to excellence, deep relationships, and passion for music is unprecedented. Additionally, watching Jason grow with Billboard over the years into such a respected and committed leader of the organization is incredible. Together, Leila and Jason bring unmatched expertise, enthusiasm balanced with vision, and business savvy to these roles, positioning Billboard’s world-class editorial content and events for a bold and exciting future.” 

“It’s an honor to steer the content of Billboard, the most respected, forward-looking music media brand in the world,” said Cobo. “It is also a privilege to do so alongside Jason, an absolute encyclopedia of musical knowledge. I am thankful to Jay Penske and Mike Van for their unwavering belief in my ability and for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to continuing to elevate diverse voices and genres, expanding Billboard‘s storytelling, and shining a spotlight on the global music landscape.” 

“I’m thrilled to lead an extraordinary team alongside my friend and colleague Leila Cobo, and grateful to PMC leadership for this opportunity,” said Lipshutz. “As someone who has worked at every level of the Billboard editorial team, I know the beating heart of this brand, understand the talent on our staff, and see the potential for what we can accomplish in the coming years.” 

As the driving force behind Billboard Latin Music Week — the largest gathering in the Latin music industry — Cobo has transformed how Latin music is covered in the US, having been the first US-based journalist to cover the genre extensively daily.

Having been a staple in modern music journalism for over a decade, Lipshutz has covered big names in the industry, including Taylor Swift, Lorde, and U2. In 2024, he published his book, It Starts With One: The Legend and Legacy of Linkin Park — an extensive look into the mega-selling rock band’s two-decade career with interviews, exclusive quotes, and insights.