Michael O. Drexler

Michael Drexler has a diverse work experience in the music and creative industries. Michael currently holds the role of Senior Vice President of Business Development at Verifi Media, where they are involved in the launch of the Verifi Rights Data Alliance. Prior to that, they worked as the Principal at Drexler Research, a consulting services business focused on the music and creative industries.

In addition, Michael has served as a Conference Speaker and Music Mentor at SXSW, Director on the Board of Directors at Audeze, Vice President of Digital Strategy and Corporate Development at Warner Music Group, and Startup Mentor at Techstars. Michael also held the position of Executive Director of Business Development, Digital Licensing, and Strategy at Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), and Senior Director of Business Development, Corporate Development, and Strategy at Sony Music Entertainment.

Michael's early career includes roles as an Audio Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound and Senior Staff Recording Engineer and Music Producer at BMG - The New Music Company. Overall, their work experience spans business development, corporate strategy, digital licensing, and technology innovation within the music industry.

Michael Drexler has pursued a diverse range of educational studies throughout their career. Michael attended the Zicklin School of Business where they completed a full-time honors program and obtained an MBA with a focus on Finance & Investments. In addition, they pursued executive education at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, specializing in Negotiation and Decision Making Strategies. Furthermore, Michael also obtained a Professional Diploma from Berklee College of Music, where they focused on Music Performance and Music Business. Lastly, they pursued a master's degree at Hochschule für Musik Detmold, where they completed a dual major and obtained a Diplom-Tonmeister degree in Electrical Engineering, Acoustics, Music Production & Engineering, Piano Performance, and Musicology.