Jim Lucchese

Jim Lucchese has been appointed as the fifth president of Berklee College of Music, effective January 1, 2025. A Boston native, Lucchese has nearly two decades of experience in the music industry, most recently serving as the CEO of Sofar Sounds, a global live music community. His career includes significant roles at Spotify, where he led the Spotify for Artists initiative after the acquisition of his previous company, The Echo Nest, in 2014. The Echo Nest was a pioneering music analytics firm that helped artists optimize their outreach and connect with fans more effectively.1235

Lucchese's connection to Berklee dates back to 1989, when he participated in the college's summer performance program, which he describes as transformative for his musical journey. Over the years, he has been involved with Berklee in various advisory capacities, contributing to initiatives that promote diversity and artistic development within the institution.124

He holds dual Bachelor's degrees in English and Music from Boston College and has pursued graduate studies in law at Georgetown University. As president, Lucchese aims to enhance Berklee's educational offerings and support for artists, emphasizing collaboration and innovation in the rapidly evolving music landscape.234