Ethiopia Habtemariam

Ethiopia Habtemariam is the Chairman and CEO of Motown Records. She has held this position since February 2021. Prior to her promotion, Ethiopia was the President of Motown since 2014.

Since joining Motown, Habtemariam oversaw the label's relocation to Los Angeles from New York in 2014 and its subsequent resurgence. Under her leadership, Motown continues its traditions of artist development and forging dynamic partnerships with creative and entrepreneurial entities including Atlanta-based Quality Control Music (QC). The QC partnership has resulted in global superstars including City Girls, Migos, Lil Baby and Lil Yachty, with QC growing to become one of today's leading music and entertainment companies. In 2020 Lil Baby's My Turn was the highest selling album of the year with his single, "The Bigger Picture," earning two Grammy nominations for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.

In 2014, Sir Lucian appointed Habtemariam as President of Motown Records and Executive Vice President of Capitol Music Group. Charged with furthering Motown's unique stance as a cultural leader and bringing a twenty-first century definition to that pursuit of Black excellence, Habtemariam has revitalized the storied label that is home to partners and hitmakers including Blacksmith Records (Ted When, Vince Staples), QC (Bankroll Freddie, City Girls, Duke Deuce, Layton Greene, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty and Migos) and Since the 80s (Asiahn, Njomza), along with artists Erykah Badu, Kem and Tiana Major9, among many others. Tiana Major9, who joined Motown's roster in the beginning of 2019, is currently nominated for a Grammy (Best R&B Song) for "Collide" with EARTHGANG, which was featured on the critically acclaimed QUEEN & SLIM soundtrack.

Prior to joining Motown, Habtemariam was President of Urban Music & Co-Head of Creative at Universal Music Publishing Group, where she developed the careers of some of the most significant songwriters/producers in music today.