Billboard Appoints Leila Cobo and Jason Lipshutz as Co-Chief Content Officers
In a significant leadership expansion, Billboard announced on Tuesday (Jan. 20) the promotion of Leila Cobo and Jason Lipshutz to the roles of Co-Chief Content Officers. The veteran journalists will now co-manage the global music brand’s editorial direction and newsroom operations.
Beyond daily news coverage, the duo will oversee Billboard’s most prestigious franchises and live events, including Latin Music Week, Women in Music, and The Stage at SXSW.
“I am incredibly proud to elevate two such remarkably talented individuals from within our ranks,” said Jay Penske, Chairman and CEO of Penske Media Corporation, the parent company of Billboard. “Leila stands as one of the most influential figures in Latin music journalism, having championed the genre and built world-class platforms to celebrate its growth. Jason is a preeminent voice in the pop landscape, bringing immense creativity and insight to his reporting. I look forward to seeing them evolve Billboard’s editorial legacy for a new era.”
Both executives have long tenures with the publication. Cobo previously served as Chief Content Officer of Billboard Latin, while Lipshutz was the brand’s Executive Director of Music. In their new capacities, Cobo will maintain her leadership of Latin coverage while adding Country music to her remit. Lipshutz will continue to guide Pop editorial while expanding his oversight to include Rock, Hip-Hop, and Dance music.
Reporting directly to Billboard CEO Mike Van, the appointments are effective immediately.
“We are delighted to recognize the extraordinary leadership Leila and Jason have demonstrated,” Van noted. “Leila’s commitment to excellence and her deep industry relationships have been transformative. Similarly, Jason’s evolution into a respected leader within this organization has been inspiring. Together, they possess the strategic vision and passion to drive our content and events toward a bold future.”
Cobo is widely regarded as a trailblazer in the industry, recognized as the first U.S.-based journalist to provide comprehensive daily coverage of the Latin music scene. A Fulbright scholar and accomplished classical pianist with degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and USC’s Annenberg School, she is the driving force behind Billboard Latin Music Week.
“It is a profound honor to lead the editorial vision for Billboard, a brand that remains the gold standard in music media,” Cobo stated. “Collaborating with Jason, whose musical expertise is truly encyclopedic, is a privilege. I am grateful to Jay Penske and Mike Van for their confidence in my leadership as we continue to spotlight diverse global voices.”
Lipshutz, a mainstay of modern music journalism for over a decade, has chronicled the careers of icons ranging from U2 to Taylor Swift. In 2024, he published It Starts With One: The Legend and Legacy of Linkin Park, further cementing his status as a leading voice in the field.
“I am thrilled to step into this role alongside my colleague and friend, Leila,” said Lipshutz. “Having served at nearly every level of this editorial team, I have a deep appreciation for the heart of this brand. I am eager to work with our world-class staff to realize the incredible potential of Billboard in the years ahead.”
