Empire Records, a leading entity in the global music scene, has announced a significant expansion of its operations into the vibrant Nordic territories. This strategic move is poised to revolutionize the landscape for burgeoning artists in the region, offering them unprecedented avenues for international recognition. The company's commitment to fostering talent and challenging established industry paradigms underscores its forward-thinking approach.

Empire Records Forges New Path in Nordic Music Landscape with Key Appointment

In a momentous announcement on July 14, 2025, Empire Records revealed its official foray into the dynamic Nordic music market. This strategic expansion is marked by the appointment of the highly experienced Iman Hazheer as the new territory manager, a role meticulously crafted to spearhead the company's ambitious initiatives across Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. Operating from his base in the bustling city of Stockholm, Hazheer will be at the forefront of cultivating robust artist relationships, driving innovative market development strategies, and forging impactful regional partnerships that promise to reshape the local music ecosystem.

Hazheer's illustrious career, spanning a decade, boasts a rich tapestry of experiences at the nexus of music, culture, and brand strategy. His profound understanding of the industry's intricate nuances was honed during his seven-year tenure at Spotify, where he served as a senior editor, meticulously crafting editorial strategies for the Nordics, curating influential playlists, and shaping the narrative of regional music. Before his impactful contributions at Spotify, Hazheer was instrumental in working with artists across Northern Europe as part of Nike's entertainment division in Amsterdam, further solidifying his diverse expertise. Empire's founder and CEO, Ghazi, expressed immense confidence in Hazheer, highlighting his unparalleled knowledge of the music business as the perfect fit to lead these transformative efforts and warmly welcoming him to the team.

This strategic expansion into the Nordic region not only signifies Empire's unwavering dedication to bringing diverse music and cultural expressions to a global audience but also reflects a broader industry trend of empowering artists. The challenges faced by independent and emerging artists in gaining international traction are substantial, and Empire's model, championed by Hazheer, aims to dismantle these barriers. By prioritizing an artist-first approach, Empire is set to provide a vital platform for Nordic talent, ensuring their unique voices resonate across continents. This initiative will undoubtedly inspire other industry players to rethink their engagement with regional markets and foster a more equitable global music landscape.