LOS ANGELES, CA.- Julien's Auctions announced four key executive appointments today to steer their unprecedented growth and expansion of Business Development into the next era of Julien’s record-breaking sales success and distinction as a behemoth of the world’s best entertainment memorabilia auctions.

Music industry maverick Danny Bennett was named as Senior Managing Director, Business Development to help grow the company’s Pop Culture sector, bringing his rich experience as an award-winning producer, marketing pioneer, and tech innovator. As founder of RPM Productions, he represented a diverse slate of recording artists, mostly noted for the reinvention of his father Tony Bennett's career through progressive and innovative marketing strategies as well as heading up multi-faceted campaigns for icons such as Ozzy Osbourne, Pearl Jam, Jamiroquai, and Elvis Costello. As an executive producer for film, television and music projects, he's won numerous Grammy and Emmy Awards and has been featured in Time, The New York Times, Forbes, Billboard, and Advertising Age, who named him one of the Top 100 Marketers. As former President and CEO of the Verve Label Group, Bennett managed and restructured the legendary jazz and classical labels where he signed artists including Jon Baptiste and Cynthia Erivo.

Ken Blaustein was named Managing Director, Business Development at Julien’s in January 2025 to lead the department’s efforts to scale its market reach. A recognized entertainment industry leader, Blaustein has held senior roles including Vice President of A&R at Universal Music Group and Global Director of Music and Artist Relations at Hard Rock International, as well as A&R roles at Warner Music, Capitol Music, and Virgin Records. Over his 20+ year career, he has guided the content and careers of Grammy-winning artists such as Frank Zappa, Shania Twain, Steve Vai, Steve Lukather, and Mastodon, as well as global superstars including The Smashing Pumpkins, My Chemical Romance, Korn, Avenged Sevenfold, and Cat Stevens. At Julien’s, Blaustein will be spearheading strategic growth into action sports and youth culture, street art, collectibles, and tech-driven experiences. He will focus on building partnerships with iconic and cult artists, celebrities, and brands while connecting with multigenerational collectors who view music and pop culture as alternative assets.

Lou Robinson, a highly respected music executive with over 25 years of experience, joins as Director, Music Business Development. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Music Video and Content Marketing at The Atlantic Records Music Group, where he drove innovative campaigns across a diverse roster. Prior to Atlantic, Robinson held the role of Senior Vice President of Video Marketing and Artist Development at RCA/J Records. There, he played a pivotal role in the development and breakthrough of global superstars through unique project marketing that included producing bespoke artist programming with partners like MTV, VH1, CMT, and BET. Throughout his career, Robinson has worked alongside a dynamic range of artists including Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Foo Fighters, Cardi B, Alicia Keys, Coldplay, The Strokes, Twenty-One Pilots, Mark Ronson, and Dave Matthews Band. His strategic partnerships with artists, managers, directors, and executives have helped shape defining cultural moments and elevate music storytelling on a global scale.

Coming off of Julien’s smash hit Nashville auctions and exhibitions at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in the past two years that included their million-dollar sales of the iconic and legendary guitars of Eric Clapton and Kurt Cobain, Julien’s will continue to develop Music City as the premiere Auction City with the appointment of seasoned music industry veteran, Shanna Strassberg named Director, Music Business Development, leading Julien’s growth strategy and business operations in Nashville.

Shanna Strassberg is an Emmy® winning television and music industry executive whose roles have included serving as VP of Music and Talent at CMT, Talent Executive for CBS New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, and an artist booker on a multitude of series, live events, music specials and red carpets. Strassberg has booked celebrities from film, television, comedy and sports on various networks and online properties, such as the Dolly Parton Telethon Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund, The Loretta Lynn Birthday Celebration at Bridgestone Arena, Bluebird – The Movie, the original documentary on the legendary Bluebird Café, and Ken Burns’ Country Music Live at the Ryman and more.

These business development team appointments come after unprecedented growth in 2024 and a winning streak that has continued into 2025, capturing viral news headlines around the world. Julien’s launched the new year in a big way with their impressive $1.5 million white glove sale of Bob Dylan: The Aronowitz Archive & More in Nashville and the recent $4.25 Million sale of Julien's Auctions & Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Presents: The David Lynch Collection blowing past all performance expectations and smashing all pre-estimates. Julien's, the record holder for Princess Diana's garments sold at auction with their record-breaking sale of her $1.14 million dress, made history once again with the recent $5.2 million sale of Princess Diana’s Style & A Royal Collection, which was the largest collection of Princess Diana's fashion ever to appear at auction.

“Julien’s success will be further fueled by these high achieving and visionary leaders, Danny Bennett, Ken Blaustein, Shanna Strassberg and Lou Robinson,” said Darren Julien, Co-Founder/Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions. “Their dynamic experience, proven track records, creativity, and passion will elevate Julien’s commitment to ensuring long term success and adaptability in the marketplace for our exceptional buyers and esteemed clients who have entrusted Julien’s with celebrating their legacies at our premium auctions.”

All four executives will work with Julien’s Auctions Founders and Executive Directors, Darren Julien and Martin Nolan in business development and will support the continued implementation of the company’s growth strategy following the previously announced capital investment led by Geller & Company.