Music executive Brandon Silverstein marked a significant milestone at the 2026 Grammy Awards as Avex Music Group writer Kamal Wilson took home two trophies for his work on Kehlani's "Folded." The track earned honors for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance, adding to a string of successes for the Los Angeles-based executive's growing roster of songwriters and producers.
Wilson, who joined Avex Music Group in October 2025, co-wrote the chart-topping single that dominated rhythmic and urban radio while peaking at No. 3 on Apple Music. The song's success extended beyond traditional metrics, sparking a viral vocal challenge on social media that drew covers from Grammy-winning artists including Brandy and Eric Bellinger.
"Kamal is a hugely promising writer who is already having a major impact on global music culture,"
Silverstein said following the wins. "The entire Avex and S10 teams are thrilled to be celebrating alongside him on these exciting wins."
The Grammy recognition caps a transformative period for Silverstein, who assumed leadership of Avex Music Group in March 2025 when Japanese entertainment giant Avex acquired 100% of S10 Music Publishing and increased its stake in S10 Management. Avex now holds the largest share in S10 Management alongside Silverstein and Roc Nation.
Brandon Silverstein Builds Publishing PowerhouseSince taking the helm at Avex Music Group, Silverstein has assembled a roster that's left an unmistakable mark on contemporary pop and hip-hop. Grant Boutin's production and songwriting propelled Tate McRae to multiple chart successes, including a No. 1 Mediabase Top 40 hit with "Sports Car" and a Billboard Dance/Pop No. 1 with "Revolving Door." His work on McRae's latest album also includes "TIT FOR TAT," which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Producer Elkan, signed in May 2025, contributed to Drake's "Nokia" and Rihanna's "Friend of Mine" from the Smurfs movie soundtrack, while fellow producer Elyas worked on Drake's "What Did I Miss?" Both tracks reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Elkan also served as a producer on Travis Scott's JACKBOYS 2, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
The publishing division's reach extends to We The Band member Harv, who produced and co-wrote Justin Bieber's "Swag," which debuted at No. 2 on the charts. Harv previously scored a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 as co-writer and co-producer on Bieber's "Peaches" in 2021.
Expanding Infrastructure and Artist ServicesSilverstein announced a sweeping organizational expansion in October 2025, establishing dual-coast operations with new leadership appointments. Zeke Silvera was named SVP and Head of East Coast Operations, while Spencer Leboff took on the role of SVP and Head of West Coast Operations. The company opened offices in New York City to complement its expanded West Hollywood headquarters, which includes two state-of-the-art studio houses.
In November, Avex Music Group launched Artist Advisor Services, a division that offers established artists comprehensive career direction without traditional management structures. The model positions artists as CEOs of their own enterprises while providing strategic counsel, capital investment access, and territory-specific expertise across global markets including Asia, where parent company Avex maintains deep roots.
"These superstar artists are the CEOs of their brands — true entrepreneurs who require financial backing for new ventures as well as support and infrastructure for their core business," Silverstein said when announcing the initiative.
The program, set to debut with its first clients in early 2026, operates under flexible arrangements including traditional commission structures, retainers, or hybrid models.
Avex Music Group also manages emerging acts including J-pop boy band ONE OR EIGHT, which became the first group of its kind to break into the U.S. Mediabase Top 40 with "DTSM." The track, which reinterprets Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music," preceded the group's partnership with Atlantic Records.
Parent company Avex employs more than 1,500 people worldwide and generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2024. Founded in 1988, the Tokyo-based entertainment company operates 40+ labels and maintains offices across 10 cities globally.
