NORIDC MUSIC BIZ ANNOUNCES 2026 TOP 20 UNDER 30 HONOREES

The Nordic music industry proudly announces the 2026 edition of the Nordic Music Biz Top 20 Under 30, celebrating the most promising young professionals shaping the future of music across the region. The Top 20 Under 30 list was created to spotlight emerging talent and ensure continued innovation and renewal in the Nordic music industry. The award highlights the strong collaborative spirit of the Nordic countries in promoting talent and exporting music to international markets.

Now in its ninth year, the initiative—established by NOMEX (Nordic Music Export)—recognizes 20 exceptional individuals under the age of 30 who are driving innovation, creativity, and global impact in the Nordic music scene. The selected 20 represent a diverse cross-section of the industry, from artist management and live promotion to digital strategy and label leadership. Being included on the list has become a mark of distinction for young professionals and is widely regarded as a springboard for further influence and opportunity within the music business.

A jury of leading industry figures from across the Nordic countries evaluated candidates based on company growth, career trajectory, peer recognition, artistic development, innovation, and measurable industry impact over the past year. The selection process also emphasized gender balance and diversity—core values of the Top 20 Under 30 initiative.

The 2026 awardees will be officially celebrated at a ceremony during by:Larm Festival in Oslo, Thursday 10 September.

Read all about the winners here.

WE PROUDLY PRESENT THE LIST OF
NORDIC MUSIC BIZ’ TOP 20 UNDER 30 2026

SWEDEN

Susanna Boder
A&R/Artist manager // Monza Music Entertainment

Mamdouh Elmchad
Founder // Not Your Habibi
Digital Communication & Programme Development // Göteborg & Co
Artist

Evie Bloom 
Senior Manager, Nordics (Artist Development & Commercial Partnership) // AWAL

Jonathan Haile
A&R & Label Manager // Ada Nordics

Linnéa Alouani 
Creative Manager, A&R // Universal Music Publishing Nordics

Lili Rönkä
Senior Manager, Impact Marketing, EMEA // Warner Music

DENMARK

Luna Hernø Balslev
Senior Project Manager // All Things Live Denmark

Breki Adiel Stefánsson
Co-Founder & Booker // Urban Breakout

Sofie Juul Lind 
Head of Live Marketing, Nordic Team Lead // United Stage

Carl Emil Stolpe
A&R Manager // Universal Music Denmark / Island Records Nordich

NORWAY

Fredrik Børstad
Head of A&R // Toothfairy Publishing

Imane Istaleb
Head of Live // Kreatell, World of Walker

Shirin Khademi
Co-Founder & Partner // AirTime AS

Ulysse Bonfils
Founder //  Distortion 

FINLAND

Iina Ahdeala
Content Manager // Impact Team, Warner Music Finland 

Dante Correa
Co-Founder // Below0 & Helsinki Music Week

Emma Rühr
Promoter & Agent // Fullsteam Agency

ICELAND

Aurora Maria Sif Di Rienzo
Trúnó Music // Artist Manager & Founder

Atli Freyr Hjaltason
Folklorist & Cultural Producer // Vökufélagið

Francesca Stoppani 
Booking Agent & Promoter // Worship Bookings

2026 JURY – NORDIC MUSIC BIZ’ TOP 20 UNDER 30

Norway:
Marthe Vee – Artist Manager / Little Big Sister
Agnes Steen Eckersberg – Booker / ØYA Festival
Mats Austgulen – Founder & MD / Retriever Music Group

Sweden:
Filip Hiltmann, Head Of Marketing / Way Out West / Luger
Olivia Hessel, Head of Management & Label Services / TEN Music Group
Petter Seander, CEO / Birds Will Sing For You

Finland:
Iivari Suosalo, A&R / Warner Music Finland
Henrik Hagnäs, General Manager & Agent / United Stage Finland
Sarah Latosaari, Project Manager / Universal Music Finland, Def Jam Recordings Finland 

Denmark:

Thomas Børresen - Partner & Director /  Labelmade 
Malika Mahmoud - Agent / CeCe Agency 
Kristoffer Rom - Managing Partner / TAMBOURHINOCEROS 

Iceland:
Agnes Hlynsdóttir - Venue promoter / LEMMY 
Ægir Sindri Bjarnason / Musician, label owner, and concert promoter 
Soffía Kristín Jónsdóttir /  Manager, co-owner and founder // Iceland Sync