# Bill Campbell

> Bill Campbell is the founder and CEO of Barefoot Media LLC, a global advisory firm specializing in digital strategy, content licensing, and fundraising for startups in the music, streaming, and entertainment tech space. With over 30 years of experience, he previously served as Senior Vice President of Global Digital Business at both Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, where he structured landmark deals with Spotify, Apple Music, Google, and Amazon. His client roster includes TikTok/Bytedance, SoundCloud, Square, and United Masters, making him one of the most influential behind-the-scenes operators in digital entertainment.

- **Role:** Founder & CEO at Barefoot Media LLC
- **Organizations:** Barefoot Media LLC, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Music Publishing, SBK Records, Sprint, CÜR Media, eMusic, Music Business Association, Sound Media Ventures LLC, PlayNetwork, Feed Media, Spotify USA, Crossfade Partners LLC
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** BA in History, University of Richmond, JD (Juris Doctor), Seton Hall University School of Law
- **Known for:** Structured global licensing deals with Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play Music, and Amazon Music while at major labels, Founded Barefoot Media LLC, which advises top-tier clients including TikTok/Bytedance, SoundCloud, Square, and United Masters, Served as Chief Strategy Officer of CÜR Media while maintaining Barefoot Media

## Career timeline

- **Early Career** — Executive roles at SBK Records, EMI Music Publishing, and Sprint
- **2000s** — Senior Vice President, US Digital Business Development at Sony Music Entertainment - led New Media Lab, worked on Pressplay and Napster partnerships, collaborated with PlayStation and Sony Electronics
- **2010s** — Senior Vice President, Global Digital Business at Universal Music Group - structured global deals with Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, and other streaming services
- **2014** — Founded Barefoot Media LLC, a consulting firm focused on digital strategy, licensing, and fundraising for startups
- **2016** — Joined CÜR Media's Board of Directors and became Chief Strategy Officer
- **2016** — Speaker at Music Biz Conference - panel on 'New Listening Experiences: How Services Differentiate From The Streaming Standard'
- **2018** — Joined eMusic Blockchain Advisory Team to build artist and label community support for the platform
- **2019** — Speaker at Music Biz Conference - panel on 'BPMs: Music and Online Fitness'
- **2026** — Appeared at CES with Bloomberg News discussing media industry predictions including AI integration and vertical video in streaming apps

## Achievements

- Structured global licensing deals with Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play Music, and Amazon Music while at major labels
- Founded Barefoot Media LLC, which advises top-tier clients including TikTok/Bytedance, SoundCloud, Square, and United Masters
- Served as Chief Strategy Officer of CÜR Media while maintaining Barefoot Media
- Holds numerous advisory positions across music tech, streaming, and digital media companies
- Member of Music Business Association Board of Directors
- Pioneered early digital music initiatives including work on Pressplay and Napster during Sony Music tenure
- Successfully transitioned from traditional music executive to startup advisor, bridging legacy industry and tech innovation

## Latest updates

- **2026-01** — Appeared at CES with Bloomberg News sharing 2026 media predictions, focusing on AI integration, vertical video in streaming, and industry consolidation trends
- **2025** — Continues to advise Barefoot Media's portfolio of clients across music streaming, fitness, social media, and emerging technologies including VR and AI

## Links

- Website: https://barefootllc.com/teams/bill-campbell/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billcampbell/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/bill-campbell
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-05-02