Ryan Tedder's Runner Music Names Julia Betley Head of Sync

Secretly Distribution also names COO Chris Welz as partner, and Sony Music Publishing Nashville signs songwriter Regan Rousseau.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Ryan Tedder's music company Runner Music has appointed Julia Betley as its new head of sync. Betley previously served as SVP of Creative Sync Licensing at Warner Records. Separately, Secretly Distribution has named its longtime COO Chris Welz as the company's newest partner, and Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed singer-songwriter Regan Rousseau to her first-ever publishing deal.

Why it matters

These moves highlight the continued evolution and growth within the music industry, with companies like Runner Music, Secretly Distribution, and Sony Music Publishing Nashville making strategic hires and signings to strengthen their creative and business operations.

The details

At Runner Music, Betley will join the team at their West Hollywood studio compound. Prior to this, she spent over a decade at RCA Records, specializing in video games and original recording agreements across visual media. Secretly Distribution's new partner Welz has helped shape the company's physical operations and digital services during his tenure as COO. Meanwhile, Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed rising songwriter Regan Rousseau to her first publishing deal.

  • Betley will join the Runner Music team this month.
  • Secretly Distribution celebrated its biggest year to date in 2025.

The players

Julia Betley

The new head of sync at Ryan Tedder's Runner Music, previously serving as SVP of Creative Sync Licensing at Warner Records.

Chris Welz

The longtime Chief Operating Officer at Secretly Distribution, who has now been named a partner at the company.

Regan Rousseau

A singer, songwriter and artist who has signed her first-ever publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

Ryan Tedder

The founder of Runner Music, where Betley has been named head of sync.

Darius Van Arman

The CEO of Secretly Distribution and Co-Founder of Secretly Group.

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What they’re saying

“From our first conversation, it was clear Julia brings the experience, confidence, and perspective needed to lead our Sync team. I knew immediately she was the right person to build this with us, and I couldn't be more excited to welcome her to the Runner team.”

— Amanda Hill, A&R President and Co-Chief Creative Officer, Runner Music

“For over two decades, Chris Welz has been a trusted and tireless colleague, working in various roles at Secretly. He started as an intern and a warehouse shipping assistant, then served as a label manager and our head of digital, eventually rising to his current role of COO. One of my favorite qualities about Chris is that he always meets people where they are at, never makes people feel small, rather, his style of leadership elevates everyone around him. It's why his team flourishes. But it is not only the immense respect he has earned as a leader that makes him extraordinary.”

— Darius Van Arman, CEO of Secretly Distribution & Co-Founder of Secretly Group

“Regan is a brilliant songwriter with a strong creative voice and an exciting future ahead. We're thrilled to welcome her to SMP and look forward to championing her as she continues to grow and share her music with the world.”

— Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville

The takeaway

These industry moves highlight the continued evolution and growth within the music business, as companies like Runner Music, Secretly Distribution, and Sony Music Publishing Nashville make strategic hires and signings to strengthen their creative and business operations, nurturing new talent and expanding their reach.