The Orchard has expanded KGV Kiran Kumar’s leadership responsibilities, appointing him Managing Director for India and the Middle East as the Sony Music-owned distribution and artist services company continues to grow its presence across emerging music markets.
KGV Kiran Kumar, who previously served as Managing Director for India, will now oversee the company’s operations across both regions. He announced the appointment in a post on LinkedIn, where he reflected on the increasingly borderless nature of music discovery.
“An artist in Hyderabad can build fans in Houston. A Punjabi record can fill arenas in Canada. A Tamil soundtrack can resonate with listeners who don’t speak the language.”
Speaking about his expanded role, Kumar said he was looking forward to understanding the Middle East’s music ecosystem while building on his experience in India.
“The Middle East is home to a rich and diverse musical landscape, and I’m looking forward to spending time understanding its artists, cultures, audiences, and industry dynamics. My hope is to apply some of the lessons we’ve learned in India where relevant, while remaining a student of the region and its unique creative ecosystem.”
KGV Kiran Kumar joined The Orchard in 2021 as Country Head for India after spending more than two years at Believe, where he most recently served as Distribution Director for India. Before entering the music business, he held leadership positions across banking, telecommunications and technology.
Since joining The Orchard, KGV Kiran Kumar has overseen the company’s expansion across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. He was promoted to Vice President and Country Head before becoming Managing Director for India in 2023.
Reflecting on his time with the company, Kumar said building The Orchard’s India business had reinforced the importance of understanding local music cultures.
“Over the last five years, I’ve had the privilege of helping build The Orchard India alongside an exceptional team. One lesson stands out above all: there are no shortcuts to understanding culture. You have to listen, learn, and stay curious.”
The Orchard has steadily expanded its footprint across South Asia in recent years, signing distribution and artist services partnerships across the region. In 2024, the company entered into a global distribution agreement with South Asian label Myst Music, further strengthening its regional presence.
Kumar’s appointment also comes as both India and the Middle East continue to attract attention from the global recorded music industry. According to IFPI, India generated an estimated US$367 million in recorded music revenues in 2025, while the Middle East and North Africa remained one of the fastest-growing recorded music regions globally.
Commenting on the broader direction of the industry, KGV Kiran Kumar wrote:
“The future of music will continue to be shaped by connection – between artists and fans, between cultures, and between communities.”
The expanded role reflects The Orchard’s continued focus on markets where local music is increasingly finding audiences beyond national borders through streaming, digital distribution and creator-led ecosystems.
