Berklee Alumna Hildur Maral MM ’19: Label Leader, Artist Manager, and Entrepreneur

Hildur Maral MM ’19 is an Icelandic-Iranian music professional based in Copenhagen with a burning passion for music and over 19 years of experience in the industry. Since earning her master’s from Berklee Valencia’s Global Entertainment and Music Business program in 2019, she has built a multifaceted career spanning campaign management, label leadership, and artist management. Most recently, she cofounded OPIA Community, a forward-thinking platform bridging music, events, and collaboration. Last fall, she returned to Berklee Valencia’s campus as a speaker and couldn’t help but reflect on how far she has come since sitting in those very halls—an evolution marked by bold choices, constant reinvention, and a commitment to her craft.

From the very start of her career, Maral has been driven by an innate desire to challenge herself and trust her instincts. For the accomplished music executive, Berklee Valencia’s Global Entertainment and Music Business program was more than just an academic experience. It provided her with the tools, network, and confidence to navigate an ever-evolving industry. The program deepened her understanding of the global music business, empowering her to take risks and pursue opportunities beyond her comfort zone. “More than anything, it gave me the confidence to take chances and know my worth,” she reflects. This mindset has been instrumental in shaping her path, allowing her to seamlessly transition between roles and ultimately carve out a career that truly fuels her passion—bringing music to life, both through releases and live experiences. 

During her time as a student at Berklee Valencia, she applied for the role of Campaign Manager at Universal Music Group (UMG) in the UK and received invaluable support from her teammates and teachers in preparation for the job interview. Landing the position marked the beginning of an exciting chapter. It was during her time at UMG that she first worked with artist and multi-instrumentalist Ólafur Arnalds, stepping into the role of co-label manager for his imprint. That partnership would later come full circle, when she moved back to Denmark. “When I decided to leave UMG to move back to Denmark, we talked about how one day we’d be working together again. Then, later on, he needed more people on his management team and the right person to start OPIA Community with, and I was very interested in both—the rest is history,” she explained.

Today, Maral is the managing director and cofounder of OPIA Community, a three-pronged entity encompassing a record label, a traveling festival, and a community hub. With a mission to foster creative experiments and collaboration, OPIA brings like-minded individuals together through a range of initiatives, including community-building, events, music releases, and educational programs. At its core, it is a space built on inclusivity and connection, welcoming creators, thinkers, and innovators who share a passion for artistic exploration.

In addition, Maral is part of Arnalds’s artist management team. “He’s taught me to really respect the creative process and not rush it, to ask the real questions. Time is truly an invaluable asset, and a big part of my work on his management team is to protect his time—it’s so precious,” she explained.

Now deeply immersed in release campaigns, Maral is bringing new music to audiences worldwide. Among her latest projects is the release of “We Didn’t Know We Were Ready,” a collaboration between Arnalds and the late Irish musician Talos. “We’ve also recently added the wonderful UK artist The Vernon Spring to our roster and just announced his upcoming album, Under a Familiar Sun. With three songs out now, the campaign is in full swing and it’s so fun to finally get it out there after months of preparations," she added.

For aspiring industry professionals, her advice is clear: “Think long-term, your network is your superpower, and never hesitate to create your own opportunities.” Above all, she urges the new generation of music business professionals to trust their instincts, know their worth, and prioritize their well-being in such a fast-paced industry that demands resilience. “Trust your gut and take care of yourself—burnout in this industry is real. Everything is negotiable—know your worth!”