Metaverse development powerhouse MELON is announcing the hire of a leader from the crossroads of music, youth culture, and branding, Josh Neuman, who will join the company as President. As a co-founder of several multi-million dollar branding, talent, and music media companies, including 88rising, Recreation Worldwide (acquired by VICE Media), Control Management (former management of superstar DJ Tiësto) and Crush Music, Neuman is perfectly suited to guide MELON in pioneering in this groundbreaking creative landscape.
“When I first met Josh and learned about his history and experience with talent and brands, I was blown away by the immediate value he brought to every idea I had for the metaverse,” said Devon Thome, Founder and CEO of MELON. “I knew from our first conversation that he would help take this company to the next level, and I am so thrilled he has joined the team.”
Neuman comes to MELON with a deep network of brand and music and entertainment relationships and a history of matching content and collaborators in groundbreaking programs. Architecting a multifaceted partnership between Red Bull and Skrillex, landing Kanye West for Samsung’s launch of the Galaxy Note II and working closely with Bono’s Product (RED) are among many of the collaborations he has spearheaded.
“I’m ecstatic to join and help lead this team, who have already established themselves as pioneers in the Metaverse,” Neuman said. “MELON are master builders on Roblox and beyond. Devon Thome’s unique perspective on the convergence of technology and entertainment gives us the ability to dream big and deliver.”
Not until the pandemic did Neuman start considering what he’d do next. As he watched his kids playing Roblox online, he grew fascinated by the platform and the potential it held for creative storytelling, brands and virtual events. During his exploration, he developed a relationship with the music team at Roblox and met Devon Thome, who was writing blog posts about development ideas for Roblox. Neuman knew after talking with Thome that MELON was onto something significant.
“There's a large percentage of people who still have a hard time comprehending the demand for non-physical goods, the scale of Roblox and the overall potential of the metaverse,” said Neuman. “For talent, brands and properties ready to step into this brave new world, the communities they can reach are massive, with staggering engagement and interactivity. MELON are experts in helping find that audience, capturing their attention, and monetizing their engagement in a meaningful way.”