Neil Jacobson

Neil Jacobson (born 28 April 1977) is an American music executive and former president of Geffen Records.

In December 2019, Jacobson left UMG and created Hallwood Media, an independent music management company, publisher, and record label.

Early life and career

Neil Jacobson was born in Oceanside, New York. He first started playing folk guitar at age seven, and then played drums. At age 15, his focus turned to the music industry. He had been inspired to become a record label executive while working his first job as a caddy at the Deepdale Golf Club.

"I was working one day when a blue Bentley convertible pulled up and this older guy—who looked like a vision—got out wearing a Frank Sinatra hat and smoking a cigar. My friend told me he was Charles Koppelman, a record label executive. He worked in music, hung out with cool people, had a great house, and was a big tipper. I came home that day and told my father that I wanted to be a record executive. I remember clear as day thinking that’s what I want to be."

In 1999, Jacobson attended the Berklee College of Music where he first met Jeff Bhasker. He continued his music education studying percussion at Shenandoah University, formerly Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music. Upon completion of his studies there, he returned to New York to attend Manhattan School of Music but did not complete his academic studies.