EMPIRE is expanding again.
The independent label, distributor, and publisher, which celebrates 15 years in the music industry in 2025, has officially launched in the Nordic region, led by Iman Hazheer, as Territory Manager.
According to EMPIRE, in this newly established role, Hazheer will lead strategic initiatives for the company across Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, driving artist relations, market development, and regional partnerships.
Based in Stockholm, Hazheer will work closely with EMPIRE’s international team to amplify the company’s footprint in what EMPIRE calls “one of Europe’s most vibrant and innovative music markets”.
“The further expansion across Europe into the Nordic region further cements EMPIRE as champions of bringing music and culture to a global audience,” EMPIRE’s Founder and CEO, Ghazi, told MBW.
“The further expansion across Europe into the Nordic region further cements EMPIRE as champions of bringing music and culture to a global audience.”
Ghazi
Added Ghazi: “Iman’s knowledge of the music business makes him the best fit to spearhead these efforts and we are happy to welcome him to the team.”
Hazheer arrives at EMPIRE with a decade of experience at the intersection of music, culture, and brand strategy. He spent nearly seven years at Spotify, where he led editorial strategy for the Nordics as a Senior Editor, curating playlists and “shaping the regional music narrative”.
Prior to that, he worked with artists across Northern Europe as part of the Entertainment division at Nike, in Amsterdam.
He began his career as a music and culture journalist at Sveriges Radio, covering emerging trends and, as EMPIRE notes, “elevating voices across Sweden’s creative landscape”.
“The Nordic region has long been a global force in music, but the path to international recognition is becoming increasingly narrow especially for independent and emerging artists.”
Iman Hazheer
“The Nordic region has long been a global force in music, but the path to international recognition is becoming increasingly narrow, especially for independent and emerging artists,” said Hazheer.
“Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges talented creators face when trying to scale beyond their home markets. That’s why I’m excited to join EMPIRE, a company that not only understands the nuances of local culture but also offers a truly artist-first model.
“We’re here to challenge the status quo, champion artists on their own terms and give the Nordic talent pool the platform they deserve, globally.”
“Iman’s industry knowledge, cultural fluency, and strategic approach make him the ideal leader to expand our presence and deepen our impact in the region.”
Guillermo Ramos
Guillermo Ramos, EMPIRE’s Managing Director of Europe, added: “It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Iman to EMPIRE as our Territory Manager, Nordics.
“The Nordics are home to a rich ecosystem of musical talent and forward-thinking creators. Iman’s industry knowledge, cultural fluency, and strategic approach make him the ideal leader to expand our presence and deepen our impact in the region.”
Founded by Ghazi in 2010, EMPIRE has worked with artists including Kendrick Lamar, Fireboy DML, Shaboozey, Asake, and Anderson Paak.
In addition to its prominent positioning in the North American market, the San Francisco-headquartered company’s global presence extends to the African continent, Europe, Asia, and South America.
In April, EMPIRE expanded in Asia with a multi-year partnership with Cambodian music company Baramey Production.
EMPIRE’s partnership with Baramey Production marked its latest strategic move in Asia after appointing respected executive Jeffrey Yoo as Senior Vice President, East Asia, in October. At that time, EMPIRE also made its first signing in Asia, Korean superstar G-Dragon.
The company launched EMPIRE Africa in 2022, following the launch of a division the previous year to focus on West Asia, North Africa, and its diaspora.Music Business Worldwide
