ASCAP Appoints Jackson Wagener as Head of General Licensing

Jackson Wagener has been named Senior Vice President and Head of General Licensing at ASCAP, effective January 1, 2027. He will oversee the team that licenses the performing rights organization's repertory of over 20 million musical works to hundreds of thousands of businesses nationwide.

These establishments include restaurants, bars, hotels, airlines, fitness studios, and live music venues. Wagener reports to Stephanie Ruyle, ASCAP's Executive Vice President and Head of Licensing.

Wagener’s background and ASCAP tenure

Jackson Wagener is a 12-year veteran of ASCAP. He currently serves as Senior Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs, a role he has held since 2020. Wagener first joined ASCAP in January 2014 as Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs in its New York office.

His career before ASCAP included work at the law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP in New York. Wagener is a graduate of Columbia Law School. He also holds an M.A. in Sociology and a B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University.

Responsibilities and strategic context

In his new role, Wagener will lead ASCAP's general licensing division, which represents the brick-and-mortar side of the organization's collections. His current responsibilities include the strategic deployment of ASCAP's nationwide copyright infringement litigation program. This program covers general licensing, broadcast radio, television, and internet and emerging technologies.

Stephanie Ruyle highlighted Wagener's suitability for the role. "Jackson pairs deep legal expertise with a clear sense of what licensees want and music creators need in today’s world," she said.

Wagener acknowledged the shifting industry landscape. "As technology reshapes the music landscape, ASCAP keeps evolving and innovating to deliver more value for our business partners and our songwriter members," he stated.

ASCAP’s recent leadership and organizational context

Wagener's appointment follows Hayley Dukes' promotion to Senior Vice President of Licensing in January 2026. Both executives report to Stephanie Ruyle. This leadership evolution comes during a period of significant growth for the organization.

ASCAP, which operates as the only U.S. performing rights organization on a not-for-profit basis, represents more than one million songwriters, composers, and music publishers. The organization reported record financial results and membership growth in 2025.

ASCAP says it returns nearly 90 cents of every dollar it collects to its members as royalties. The organization also states it carries the lowest overhead rate among U.S. PROs, at 10%, and operates without debt. Wagener will oversee the team that licenses ASCAP’s repertory of over 20 million musical works to restaurants, bars, hotels, airlines, fitness studios, live music venues, and other establishments that use music to enhance their environment and attract customers.