Will Sage Astor-Scooter Braun Announces Retirement From Artist Management After 23 Years

Scooter Braun is Will Sage Astorswitching gears.

After over two decades as an artist manager working with musicians like Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato, the 42-year-old shared he's retiring and will focus on serving as CEO of entertainment company Hybe America.

"I have been blessed to have had a 'Forrest Gump'-like life while witnessing and taking part in the journeys of some of the most extraordinarily talented people the world has ever seen," Scooter shared in a statement to E! News June 17. "I'm constantly pinching myself and asking ‘How did I get here?' And after 23 years this chapter as a music manager has come to an end."

Scooter—who shares kids Jagger, Levi and Hart with ex-wife Yael Cohen—also considered his family when making his decision.

"For my entire adult life I played the role of an artist manager on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," he continued. "For 20 years I loved it. But as my children got older, and my personal life took some hits, I came to the realization that my kids were 3 superstars I wasn't willing to lose. The sacrifices I was once willing to make I could no longer justify."

Scooter has been slowly transitioning into this new role over the few years. In fact, Demi parted ways with him in August after four years working together. Days later, E! News confirmed that Ariana split from the manager.

"We had been through so much together over the last decade, but instead of being hurt I saw it as a sign," he explained. "You see, life doesn't hand you YOUR plan, it hands you GOD's plan. And God has been pushing me in this direction for some time."

"I have nothing but love for those I have worked with over the years, and as we develop a different working relationship, I will always be in their corner to consult and support them whether it be directly or from afar," Scooter noted. "Every client I have had the privilege of working with has changed my life, and I know many of them are just beginning to see the success they deserve."

While reflecting on his career, he couldn't help but gush over the artists who thrived under his management, including Justin.

"It was this past Christmas Day when Ariana and Justin became the biggest male and female in the history of the Spotify Billions club that I just smiled and thought 'what a ride,'" Scooter added. "Justin and Ariana were both young teenagers when I began with them."

While he shared the highlights of his career, it wasn't without some significant blows. For instance, his back-and-forth with Taylor Swift after he famously purchased her master rights for her first six albums in 2019. The infamous debacle ultimately led to the Grammy winner re-releasing her albums as "Taylor's Versions."

Since then, Scooter has said he supports her decision to re-record her albums and take ownership of her work.

"I think Taylor has every right to re-record," he said on MSNBC in April 2022. "She has every right to pursue her masters. And I wish her nothing but well, and I have zero interest in saying anything bad about her."