Women in Music: In conversation with Sofia Ilyas

Sofia Ilyas is a senior music executive, curator and qualified career coach with more than 15 years’ experience leading global marketing, brand strategy and DEI initiatives across the music industry.

As a South Asian woman who has held senior leadership roles in a predominantly white industry, Sofia brings a distinctive perspective on visibility, representation and career development.

Her work includes helping shape the global rise of the neo-classical genre at Erased Tapes, working with artists including Nils Frahm, establishing Nura Headphones in the global market, and serving as Chief Community Officer at Beatport, where she led the company’s global DEI strategy and launched the Beatport Connect series.

For ten years, Sofia also ran her own agency, Float, working with brands including Sonos, Carhartt and Dishoom. She co-founded the global Piano Day movement and currently curates music for the National Gallery.

Alongside her music-industry work, Sofia has completed extensive study in psychology and coaching psychology. She now runs a private coaching practice supporting independent artists and emerging talent, combining her industry experience with evidence-based coaching frameworks to help people build sustainable careers, develop confidence and navigate the realities of the music business.

Sofia will join us for an in-depth conversation as part of our Women in Music series, about her journey through the music industry, covering agency leadership, global brand strategy, DEI, artist development and career coaching.