Artist distribution and services company Human Re Sources announced today the hiring of Junko Takeda as its new Vice President. Based in Los Angeles, Takeda will report to J. Erving, CEO & Founder, Human Re Sources/Executive Vice President, The Orchard. She will oversee day-to-day label relations of both Human Re Sources’ Los Angeles and Atlanta operations, and continue to build the company’s roster of artist clients with support from The Orchard.
Takeda comes to Human Re Sources from Warner Chappell Music, where she served as the Head of A&R Operations. She brings her expertise in talent relations and day-to-day operations, boasting a successful track record that spans various sectors of the music business including: radio promotions/sales, corporate communications, global digital business, artist relations, and brand integration. Previously, Takeda worked as Chief-of-Staff at RCA Records, and has held roles at Overbrook Entertainment, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, MTV Networks, and Emmis Communications (KPWR 105.9FM). Takeda has worked alongside creatives like Lady Gaga and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. She began her career in talent management.
“Human Re Sources has built a true home for independent artists,” said Takeda. “I am excited to work alongside J and the HRS team to connect our dynamic roster of talented artists with fans around the globe.”
“Junko has an amazing track record of elevating artists to the next level,” said Erving. “Having her expertise as we help artists like RAYE and Kelz reach their career goals is invaluable. We are a home for independent creatives and under Junko’s purview, will continue to provide them with the best services possible.”
In December 2020, Sony Music Entertainment acquired Human Re Sources. The company then became part of The Orchard’s global distribution and artist and label services brand. In 2022, the company opened a new workspace in Atlanta, and appointed Mark Jackson as the Head of Atlanta. Human Re Sources has signed and developed artists such as Brent Faiyaz, Cordae, YBN Nahmir, Pink Sweat$, Baby Rose, Bren Joy and added artists like RAYE, who recently solidified her first No. 1 in the UK with the single “Escapism,” Brooklyn-born rapper Kelz, Jensen McRae, and Grammy-nominated Ant Clemons to The Orchard’s roster.
About Human Re Sources
Launched in 2017 by founder and CEO J Erving, Human Re Sources is a formidable independent powerhouse of talent development. The black-owned Los Angeles-based digital-distribution company has quickly become a key player and ranks among the Top 10 independent distributors in the music industry. Human Re Sources is recognized for routinely shepherding previously unknown talent into major stars, as evident from their work with YBN Nahmir (two Platinum single certifications), to Pink Sweats, whose single “Honesty” was certified Platinum in July 2020, and gold singles with both Brent Faiyaz and Cordae.
About The Orchard
The Orchard is a full-service music distribution company operating in more than 45 cities worldwide. The Orchard’s comprehensive artist & label services offering harnesses innovative technology, transparent data analysis, and expertise to reach fans and grow audiences. Offerings include digital and physical sales and marketing, advertising, sync and brand partnerships, rights management, video monetization, collaborator splits and royalty accounting, publishing administration and more. Championed by an exceptional community of music lovers and experts, The Orchard empowers creators and entrepreneurs to grow and adapt in the dynamic, global industry.
