Pitch & Sync Adds Rebecca Leon as Head of Music

Photographer: Anna Ildsvad Clausen 

It’s been a busy year for music and sound agency Pitch & Sync. Welcoming in Denise Valk back in January to head up their Amsterdam operations, the Pitch & Sync team has continued to expand with Rebecca León joining as head of music in their London office. 

With a background leading music strategy and supervision for Absolut Vodka (Pernod Ricard Group) in Amsterdam and Stockholm, Rebecca is well adept to the world of music and brands and is already proving to be a perfect fit for her role at Pitch & Sync. Bringing a fresh new perspective to the team, Rebecca’s knowledge of the spirit industry as well as her astute awareness of the world of branding has put her in good stead to further Pitch & Sync’s goal of collaborating with some of the creative industry’s most exciting and innovative companies.

We caught up with Rebecca to learn more about her and her new role at Pitch & Sync.

Q> Why did you want to join the team at Pitch & Sync?

Rebecca> I am so impressed by the way that the co-founders Simon and Alex have built their business and nurtured their relationships in the industry. I believe the secret for the successful and outstanding work that the agency has created for our clients is it’s multi-talented super team and I am so happy that I get to be a part of it. We work hard, long and unconventional hours as one does when working with clients all over the world but we have so much fun together.

Q> How does working in the music industry differ from working in the spirit industry? 

Rebecca> Well, first of all, I thought there would be fewer parties... (who was I kidding?!). 

Jokes aside, I’d rather mention the similarities because I know that’s why both industries have been perfect for me personally. Wherever there is music, there will be some kind of conviviality part of that. Nightlife is what connects them both and that’s definitely my world. In both music and spirits, the majority are super passionate about the craftsmanship that exists within each of these contexts. 

Q> How do you see the relationship between music and brands changing in the coming years?

Rebecca> This is something the agency side has been saying for many years now but it needs to be repeated - brands need to become much better at using music and talent as a medium to trigger a certain behaviour or emotion, basically to reach and interact with their target group. Whether this means taking a risk in their talent choices for collaborations and partnerships (we can help you with that, you know!) or just not going for that famous track that everyone else is using for sync. TV is doing it really well so I am hoping that advertising catches up soon!

Q> How are you feeling about the new role and where do you see Pitch & Sync going whilst you’re there? 

Rebecca> I am so excited! I’m really looking forward to adding value to our current and future clients with my experience and enthusiasm for when brands and music meet. Part of my job will be to expand and develop our offering when it comes to connecting brands with music and talent that’s relevant to them. This would lead to more relevant content and partnerships for both artist and client with commercial objectives met. 

Q> What are you listening to right now that we should know about?

Rebecca> I’m loving the new Red Axes EP and Peggy Gou’s DJ-Kicks both released on !K7, Special Request’s new album ‘VORTEX’ is definitely on repeat and I can’t WAIT to hear the new Metronomy album when it’s released later this year. Otherwise the Pitch & Sync weekly playlist is a definite go-to in order to keep yourself updated on the latest music trends and artist releases. 

Q> What’s been your favourite recent piece of work from Pitch & Sync?

Rebecca> I prefer those pieces where the brand has been willing to be a bit more daring with music usage for an advert, that’s why I think the Zalando piece is really cool. It’s fun, funky and out there, and it works so well for the brand!

P&S director & co-founder Alex Lavery, commented: "We're mad excited to have Rebecca relocate from Stockholm to join the growing P&S family in London. Rebecca's past based in Amsterdam with Absolut and experience within the drinks trade is also a neat fit for our activity and affinity with Amsterdam. Not only does Rebecca bring the understanding of working client side at Pernod Ricard but can articulate music from both business and passion perspectives. After looking over Absolut's music activity for the best part of a decade and DJing weekends for kicks, we're excited to embrace Rebecca's passion to put exceptional music to work for everyone, from client to music lover."