Jennifer Imion is the Vice President of Operations at Mavin Global, the parent company of Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records. She holds a Master’s degree in Energy from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and a Bachelor of Science degree from Igbinedion University. Recognized by Global Citizen and Business Day NG for her work in supporting women in the music industry, Jennifer’s journey into music operations has been anything but conventional.
She told Just4WomenAfrica before joining the music business, Jennifer spent five years in medical school. She eventually dropped out, realizing it was her parents’ dream—not hers. Leaving medical school was not a decision she regrets, as she finds far more fulfillment in her current role in the entertainment industry.
Her professional journey began in the energy sector, followed by roles at NNPC, a marketing agency, and eventually the co-working and fintech industries. She also worked in the fashion industry handling operations. A friend recommended she apply for an opening at Mavin Records in 2019, just as the company was looking to scale. She landed the role of Director of Operations, eventually becoming Vice President.
Jennifer says no two days at Mavin are the same. Her responsibilities include managing teams, implementing internal structures, driving strategic goals, and ensuring alignment across the executive team. With Mavin’s recent partnership with Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company, Jennifer and her team were instrumental in aligning Mavin’s operations with global standards while preserving its local authenticity. From upgrading IT systems to refining operational workflows, her team ensured a seamless transition into UMG’s broader ecosystem.
She emphasizes that people are Mavin’s strongest asset. Investing in their growth and development has been crucial to scaling the business. Beyond talent development, Mavin has also invested heavily in infrastructure—everything from artist scouting to creative development—all while maintaining efficiency and brand quality.
Balancing creativity and structure, especially with a diverse artist roster, is another critical focus for Jennifer. She fosters an environment where ideas can come from anyone, whether an intern or department head. Artists are given the freedom to express themselves, while the company maintains a structure that supports and enhances their creativity.
Her passion for gender equity is deeply rooted in her belief in inclusive workspaces. In a male-dominated industry, she actively advocates for women to take on leadership roles, drive their own initiatives, and speak up. At Mavin, they celebrate initiatives like International Women’s Day by showcasing women-owned businesses and encouraging internal empowerment.
Jennifer acknowledges the challenges she has faced as a woman in leadership, especially in technical roles like sound engineering and production—areas typically dominated by men. She recalls how people would often assume she was a man until corrected. Overcoming this bias required her to deliver results consistently and communicate her expertise clearly. She mentors other women, encouraging them to speak up and claim their space in the industry.
Although she recognizes that more women are speaking up today, Jennifer believes there is still significant underrepresentation, particularly in technical and executive roles. She’s optimistic about the progress being made but insists there’s more to do to ensure equity.
Discussing the difficulty in promoting female artists compared to their male counterparts, Jennifer explains that societal expectations often make things more complicated for women. From appearance and grooming to marketing, the demands are higher. Female artists must work harder and appeal to both male and female audiences to break through industry thresholds.
For young professionals hoping to enter operations or the music business, Jennifer advises staying agile, researching industry trends, and constantly seeking ways to innovate. She also underscores the importance of networking—not just being good at your job, but being able to pitch yourself and bring value to every interaction. According to her, lasting impressions in the industry are created through meaningful connections.
Looking ahead, Jennifer sees Mavin Global becoming a globally recognized household name within the next five to ten years. With her leadership and dedication to excellence and inclusiveness, the company is well on its way.
