Republic Chiefs Monte and Avery Lipman Named Variety Hitmakers Label of the Year for the Sixth Consecutive Time

Republic Records has once again secured Variety's Hitmakers Label of the Year award, marking its sixth win in nine yearsa remarkable achievement. Despite this, co-founder and Republic Collective CEO Monte Lipman humbly reflects on the three occasions they fell short, saying, I hear that, and all I can think about are the three times we didnt win.

The labels success stems largely from its stellar roster, which includes global superstars like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Drake, the Weeknd, Post Malone, Pearl Jam, Florence + the Machine, and even Stevie Wonder. In 2025 alone, Republic enjoyed massive hits with Big Louds Morgan Wallen, Island Records Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and the global sensation KPop Demon Hunters.

Monte and his brother Avery Lipman were elevated last year by Universal Music Group chairman-CEO Lucian Grainge to oversee Republic Collective, a division encompassing Republic, Def Jam, Island, Mercury, Imperial independent division, and the rebranded MCA Nashville. Alongside them, Jim Roppo became Republic Records chairman and CEO, and Wendy Goldstein was promoted to chairwoman and chief creative officer.

One of Republics standout successes in 2025 has been KPop Demon Hunters, whose lead single Golden surged to No. 4 on Luminates year-to-date charts in under five months and is expected to finish the year at No. 1. You dont stay on top you hold on for dear life, Lipman notes. Its a cultural phenomenon, and our team recognized its magnitude in real time.

Lipman also highlights achievements from Wallen, the Weeknd, and Post Malone, but emphasizes Taylor Swifts Life of a Showgirl, which sold a record 4 million units in its first week, calling her a creative force of nature.

Despite managing a vast empire, Monte Lipman describes his role as evolving: Ive become an OG in the building, but critical to our success is that every label within the collective operates with independence and autonomy. He and Avery, along with UMG executives Jeffrey Remedios and Michele Anthony, guide the collective while allowing individual labels to make key decisions.

Monte praises the leadership across the collective: Jim Roppo and Wendy Goldstein at Republic Records, Tyler Arnold and Ben Adelson at Mercury Records, Tunji Balogun and Tim Pithouse at Def Jam, Justin Eshak and Imran Majid at Island Records, and Dave Cobb and Mike Harris at MCA. Their creative vision and dedication to the artist community continue to drive extraordinary results, he says.

For the Lipmans, consistent excellence is non-negotiable. Monte reflects on a quote from George Steinbrenner: If they dont win the pennant every year, theyre not having a good year, noting it mirrors their relentless approach to success.

Author: Connor Blake