Barry Chandler Williams began his career in the music industry after a chance meeting with Sean “Puffy” Combs during a summer college job at Reebok. Shortly after, he began an internship at Bad Boy Records, and immediately fell for the excitement and unpredictability of working with talent.
Following his tenure at Bad Boy Records, Barry worked under the mentorship of legendary music manager Chris Lighty at Violator Management. While at Violator, he served as Brand Manager for 50 Cent and supported numerous multiplatinum artists including LL Cool J, Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, and Missy Elliot.
When Violator Management formed The Brand Asset Group in partnership with Warner Music Group, Barry saw an opportunity to lend the expertise he gained in talent management to corporate brands. At the Brand Asset Group, Barry led marketing and music-based initiatives for major brands, including General Motors, Coca-Cola, Reebok and Glaceau vitaminwater. Both Reebok and Glaceau vitaminwater went on to be multi-billion dollar acquisition targets.
At Brand Asset Group Barry also played a key role in the launch of celebrity-driven brands, such as Ciroc Vodka for Diaegeo, and Kim Kardashian’s fragrance “K” for Sephora. After many years in brand management, Barry returned to the music industry, joining the Universal Music Group, where he served at Interscope, Geffen, A&M Records under the iconic Jimmy Iovine.
While at Universal Music Group, Barry played a role in the launch of Beats By Dre, and later its integration into large scale media. Notable new talent developed as a department head at Universal Music Group included Kendric Lamar, Aloe Blacc, MGK, LMFAO, and Robin Thicke. Barry also oversaw the the marketing team for established acts Eminem, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, and Mary J.Blige,
Today, Barry’s experience with talent and brands spans 30+ international territories, with product development and launches in multiple categories including but not limited to gaming, clothing, footwear, fragrance, books, film, TV, and CPGs.
He currently serves as the Managing Partner of Music Publishing Accelerator (MPA) in partnership with Kobalt Music Group and Treehouse Pictures. Recent successes include the discovery of 2018 Break Out country music Star, Kane Brown. The MPA copyright catalogue boasts numerous hits, including an MPA songwriter credit on 2019’s biggest song “Old Town Road.”
Barry is an Advisor and Board Member at a number of startups, including, EQ, the producer of PlanetHome.eco, and social media rights management company Entribe. His advisory extends into the nonprofit sector with annual fundraising and celebrity partnerships in support of organizations, including City Year Los Angeles, Creative Visions Foundation, and Beit T’Shuvah Los Angeles.
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