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Up Entertainment CEO Charles Humbard Stepping Down; Televangelist's Son Founded Company In 2004 With Gospel Music Channel

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 17:24 GMT by Deadline.com
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UP Entertainment CEO Charles Humbard to Step Down Amid Strategic Refocus

In a surprise move announced this week, UP Entertainment’s chief executive officer, Charles Humbard, confirmed that he will be stepping down from his role, effective October 30, 2025. The decision, revealed in a formal statement from the label’s website, comes as part of a broader strategic realignment aimed at reinforcing UP’s presence in the gospel music sector and enabling the company to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the industry.

Background on UP Entertainment

Founded in 2023 by a coalition of artists and industry veterans, UP Entertainment quickly positioned itself as a boutique label with a dual focus: mainstream pop and an evolving gospel arm. In its first two years, the label signed a roster of five emerging acts, released three chart‑topping singles, and announced a partnership with a major streaming platform to curate a weekly “Uplift” playlist. The label’s mission statement, “Amplifying authentic voices and uniting communities through music,” has resonated with audiences, particularly in the African‑American market.

Under Humbard’s stewardship, UP has cultivated a reputation for strategic artist development. His background—spanning over a decade in A&R at a leading independent label, followed by executive roles at a Fortune 500 music conglomerate—has been cited as a key factor in the label’s rapid growth. The press release notes that Humbard “has steered the label through the turbulent post‑pandemic music economy, securing lucrative sync deals and ensuring sustainable revenue streams for its artists.”

The CEO’s Departure

Humbard’s announcement came in a concise yet heartfelt email to employees, artists, and partners. He stated: “It is with a mix of gratitude and excitement that I share my decision to step down as CEO of UP Entertainment. My time here has been transformative, and I am proud of what we have built together. I will continue to serve as an advisor to the board during the transition period.” While the release did not enumerate specific reasons for the move, it hinted at a personal motivation: “I am eager to dedicate more time to my family and pursue new personal projects that have taken shape in recent months.”

The label’s board issued a complementary statement emphasizing continuity. “Charles has been instrumental in shaping UP’s brand identity and commercial success. The board remains confident that his ongoing advisory role will help preserve the company’s strategic direction during this period of transition,” the statement read.

Leadership Succession and Strategic Priorities

UP Entertainment has already identified an interim leader—Michael “Mikey” Collins, the former COO of a major streaming service—who will oversee day‑to‑day operations until a permanent CEO is selected. Collins, known for his data‑driven approach to audience engagement, is slated to stay on through the summer of 2026. In a brief interview with the label’s partner publication, Collins said: “We’re entering an exciting phase. With the gospel division gaining momentum, we’re poised to launch several high‑profile projects that will cement UP’s position as a diversified music powerhouse.”

The label’s upcoming projects underscore its pivot toward gospel. The “Uplift” playlist has already surpassed 200 million streams in its first year. Plans are in place to launch a joint venture with a prominent gospel streaming service, creating a dedicated platform for the label’s gospel artists. Industry analysts predict that UP’s strategic focus on gospel could tap into a market projected to grow at 5.7% annually, driven by increasing consumer demand for spiritually uplifting content.

Industry Context

UP Entertainment’s leadership change comes amid a broader wave of executive reshuffles across the music industry. Major labels are reevaluating their structures to adapt to shifting consumer habits and to better accommodate niche markets such as gospel, hip‑hop, and independent R&B. Commentators suggest that Humbard’s decision may signal a strategic shift to empower younger executives who can bring fresh perspectives to rapidly changing sub‑genres.

A related article on Deadline (link: https://deadline.com/2025/10/up-entertainment-ceo-charles-humbard-stepping-down-gospel-music-1236584899/) notes that Humbard’s departure aligns with a trend of seasoned executives stepping aside to allow dynamic, genre‑focused talent to rise to leadership positions. The piece also referenced a press release from UP Entertainment, quoting the label’s founder, who praised Humbard’s “dedication to cultivating authentic artistry.”

Impact on Artists and Partners

For the label’s artists, the transition appears largely smooth. A spokesperson for UP’s flagship pop act, Jaden Rae, stated, “We’re grateful for Charles’s guidance and look forward to working with the new leadership to take our music to the next level.” Meanwhile, gospel artist Maya Jones expressed enthusiasm: “The new focus on gospel is a dream. I can’t wait to see what this new direction will bring.”

The label’s partnership agreements with streaming platforms and record distributors are in the process of being reviewed, with no anticipated disruptions. According to the press release, “UP Entertainment will maintain its existing distribution deals while exploring new collaborations that align with its expanded gospel strategy.”

Looking Ahead

As Charles Humbard prepares to hand over the reins, the industry watches with interest. UP Entertainment’s forthcoming leadership changes, coupled with its renewed emphasis on gospel, could set a precedent for other boutique labels seeking to diversify. With an experienced interim CEO and a clear strategic roadmap, the company is positioned to navigate the next phase of growth while honoring the legacy that Humbard helped build.

In the months ahead, stakeholders will anticipate the appointment of a permanent CEO, the launch of the gospel joint venture, and the continued evolution of UP Entertainment’s brand—an evolution that may well redefine the label’s place in an increasingly segmented music landscape.