Hoopr hits a global note with key leadership move

MUMBAI: Hoopr is turning up the global volume. India’s leading music licensing platform has announced the appointment of Deborah Smith as its head of international licensing & sync, signalling a bold new chapter in its global growth symphony.

Based in the UK, Smith will lead Hoopr’s international expansion, forging partnerships with global labels, boosting cross-border sync deals, and amplifying Hoopr’s 22,000 plus track catalogue of Hindi cinema, Indie, and regional music for worldwide audiences.

With marquee collaborations already in place with Yash Raj Films Music, Merchant Records, and others, Hoopr has redefined how brands and creators can legally and easily license trending Indian music. The company’s partnership with IPRS further ensures transparency and fair artist remuneration, making Hoopr a trusted bridge between creators, labels, and brands.

“Hoopr sits at the intersection of creativity and technology,” said Smith. “I’ve worked in the Indian market for years and have seen its vibrant musical pulse up close. My mission is to take that sound to new global stages.”

Hoopr co-founder and CEO Gaurav Dagaonkar called Smith’s appointment “a defining moment,” adding that her experience in publishing and sync will help the company accelerate its international ambitions and unlock new revenue streams for artists.

With over a decade of experience in the global music industry, including leadership roles at Horus Music and Anara Publishing, Smith has worked with brands like Apple, UEFA, Netflix, and Asian Paints, while championing India’s independent artists on the world stage.

For Hoopr, this move isn’t just business, it’s a beat that connects cultures. With Smith at the helm, the platform is ready to take Indian music from local playlists to global charts.