Highly popular in the United States, the Billboard Power Players is a ranking and awards ceremony that honors the most influential figures across all sectors of the music industry. At the first French edition of the Power Players, organized by Billboard France, Believe was prominently featured.
At the ceremony, which took place on September 15, 2026, Believe CEO and founder Denis Ladegaillerie received the Executive of the Year Award. Presented by legendary rapper Youssoupha (who has been signed to Believe for 15 years), this award recognizes Denis Ladegaillerie as the most influential figure in the French music industry.
Youssoupha once wrote:
“Aging is inevitable, but growing is a choice.”
Believe recently turned 20, so those words naturally resonate with me. Over the past two decades, we have grown tremendously. In 2005, the main barrier for an artist was accessing the market. Today, the challenge is being heard. Our path for the years ahead is clear: to actively develop local ecosystems and deepen our partnerships with DSPs so that more artists can build sustainable, successful careers, just like Youssoupha.
Denis Ladegaillerie
Founder & CEO, Believe
This award also earned Denis Ladegaillerie the top spot on Billboard France’s “Power Players” leaderboard, created by the French edition of the renowned American publication. He shares this top spot with Romain Vivien, Global Head of Music and President of Europe & the U.S.
Beyond the “leaderboard,” the “Power Players” list also includes many Believe executives among France’s most influential figures!
Henri Jamet, CEO of Believe France, ranks second in the Label Groups category.
In the Labels category, Anthony Karakaya, Director of Artist Services at Believe France, ranks first. Sébastien Saussez, founder of Jo&Co and CEO of our new imprint, All In, also ranks 12th in this category.
Finally, Ismaël Kané, CEO of Believe Music Publishing France, is ranked 7th in the Publishing category, while Stéphane Wehrlé is ranked 11th in the Live category.
This award and these recognitions are a testament to the success of Believe and its teams, but they also highlight how, over the past 20 years, Believe has become one of the driving forces behind the music industry in France and beyond.
Find all the details about the Billboard France Power Players on Billboard France.
