Bill Werde

Bill Werde directs the top-ranked Bandier music industry program in the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, and publishes "Full Rate No Cap," the influential weekly email of music industry analysis. As former editorial director of Billboard, Werde built a global network of music industry relationships, and a deep understanding of industry trends, mass audience development and engagement across platforms. Now he teaches the next generation of music industry leaders at Bandier, while consulting with a focus on clients in emerging tech and emerging markets.

For nearly six years ending in 2014, Werde oversaw all content efforts at Billboard, leading its conversion from a print B2B magazine to a digital-first, global consumer brand. Under Werde’s leadership, Billboard expanded its international presence with launches in South Korea, Japan, Russia and Brazil, revived the now-top-rated Billboard Music Awards show in partnership with ABC, tripled Billboard.com’s traffic, and grew the brand's social footprint from zero to millions of followers. Werde and Billboard earned the 2010 Ellie/National Magazine Award for Digital Media from the American Society of Magazine Editors, for the relaunch of Billboard.com. Werde also created Billboard's first focused video efforts, growing the program to partnership status with YouTube.

Today, Werde advises and consults top music and media companies on everything from business development to content, communications and media strategy. Werde has led curriculum, student development and experience, and the Bandier brand since fall of 2017.  The Bandier Program has been named “Top Music Business School” on Billboard’s annual list during each year of Werde’s tenure. Werde spearheaded the launch of the Bandier master’s program in 2024. He also launched and curates the Bandier Program’s international immersion trip each year for top students, leading previous excursions to China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico and elsewhere. He is a frequent guest expert on music and the music business for industry conferences and top news and media outlets. Werde lives in Syracuse with his wife, two sons and his troublesome beagle, Stanley.