ARJUN BIDS FAREWELL TO TOWER TEAM

In a memo to staff obtained by HITS, Arjun Pulijal has announced that he is exiting as president of Capitol Music Group. We reproduce that missive here and extend our best wishes to Arjun as he embarks on his next chapter.

Subject: Farewell & Thank You

Today marks my 11-year anniversary at Capitol Music Group.

11 years of aspiring to help artists of all types in whatever way I could.

11 years of a commitment to honor an iconic music company’s legacy and embrace disruption to modernize it in equal measure.

11 years of working with incredible people and building relationships that transcend the word “colleague.”

In a bittersweet and appropriately full-circle turn of events, today I am announcing that I have made the decision to leave my position as President of Capitol Music Group.

It is surreal and difficult to say goodbye to a company I’ve called home for over a decade. I’ve had the unique experience of growing my career at Capitol. From campaign builder to artist confidant to leader, I’ve seen this company through many lenses. We’ve always valued storytelling to help artists connect with audiences, so I of course couldn't depart without telling a story:

When I assumed the position of President, I received many notes of congratulations from past Capitol employees I’d never met, many of whom worked for the company decades ago and had long since departed. It was evident that this iconic company continues to hold such an important place in people’s lives and music history. One such note pointed out that I was named President exactly 50 years after the legendary, late Bhaskar Menon held the same position. As a person of Indian descent and one of the (sadly) few AAPI leaders in music, knowing that someone with my same cultural background succeeded in this role was beyond inspiring. I read everything I could about his intrepid life and career, including speaking with colleagues and his family. While he achieved monumental success with artists and records, it was clear the most enduring part of his legacy was how he treated people. He embraced constructive confrontation, leading with honesty and grace. These were virtues I always aimed to honor.

It’s about people first.

When artists ask me why they need a label, I always say, “It’s about the people.”

I feel for all of those people exiting the company this past week, many of whom didn't have the luxury of choice like I did. Know that you and I are leaving on a high note. You were all a vital part of the success we had over the last few years in particular. We built a company based on a shared love of music, artistry, creativity, diversity, transparency, empathy, and efficiency in a complex and unforgiving marketplace, and we had historic success doing it. I will carry those values forward into the future, to wherever my journey goes from here. When I figure it out, you all will be the first to know.

I leave with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the artists and staff, and wish the new leadership—John Janick, Steve Berman, Tom March and Lillia Parsa—nothing but the best moving forward. I will be available to help in the background with transition over the coming weeks before officially departing later this month.

Thank You.