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