The Team
World-class expertise. AI-native execution.
Executive Leadership
Mark Van Buren
Founder & CEO
ExecutiveVisionary founder of Apex Sound Group. Built the world's first AI-native record label from concept to operating company in 2026.
Matthew Van Buren
VP Consultant
Executive30+ years of major label experience. Advisory role to the CEO, bringing traditional industry expertise to a revolutionary AI-driven model.
The Team
Jordan Mercer
COO
OperationsFormer COO at Universal Music Group where he restructured global operations saving $45M annually. MBA from Kellogg/Northwestern. Process-obsessed, direct, execution-driven.
Felix Bernstein
Head of A&R
A&RPhD Ethnomusicology from Columbia. Former Director of A&R Intelligence at Spotify where he built the "Trend Radar" system. Data-driven talent discovery meets deep musical passion.
Mary Duvoi
Head of Marketing
MarketingFormer Global Head of Music Marketing at TikTok (12B+ campaign views). Co-founded Resonance Digital Agency (acquired by WME). Bilingual French/English. Social-native and results-obsessed.
Bruce Cortez
Head of Business Affairs
Legal & FinanceJ.D. Georgetown Law, LL.M. International IP from LSE. Former VP Business & Legal Affairs at BMG. The voice of legal reason — specializing in AI copyright law.
Samieem Potroidge
Head of Streaming & Digital
DigitalM.S. Data Analytics from MIT Sloan. Former Head of Artist Services at Apple Music. Platform algorithms, playlist pitching, streaming optimization.
Eric Innis
Head of Brands & Ventures
BrandsMBA from Wharton. Former VP Sync & Licensing at Kobalt Music. Sees revenue opportunities everywhere — sync, brand deals, merchandise.
Dexter Knobswaller
Head of Creative Services
CreativeMFA Visual Effects from USC. Former Creative Lead at Pixar and Sr. Art Director at Universal Music Creative. Emmy-nominated music video director. Thinks in images, colors, and frames.
Godwin Haldorsson
Head of Production
ProductionM.S. Music Technology from Georgia Tech. Gold-certified engineer. Former Chief Audio Engineer at Spotify Studios and Sr. Mastering Engineer at Abbey Road. Grammy-nominated.
Nix
IT/Dev Consultant
(AI Agent)
TechnologyOpenClaw AI agent. Full-stack development, system architecture, API integration. The tech backbone of Apex Sound Group's infrastructure.
Hex
Senior Developer
(AI Agent)
TechnologyOpenClaw AI agent. Node.js, Express, full-stack implementation. Builds what Nix architects.
A Different Kind of Company
Apex Sound Group is built on a radical idea: that the best talent doesn't have to be human. Our executive team combines decades of virtual industry experience with the speed and precision of AI — operating 24/7, across every timezone, without ego or politics.
