Justin Bieber has made a notable shift in his financial management team, parting ways with his business manager Lou Taylor and bringing on board Edward White, the financial advisor known for his work with Johnny Depp. This change, confirmed by PEOPLE, marks a significant move for the pop star.
A source close to the situation revealed that Bieber and Taylor ended their professional relationship a few weeks ago in May. The transition was described as mutual and seamless, indicating that the partnership was no longer a good fit for either party.
Since 2022, Taylor’s company, Tri Star Sports And Entertainment Group, had been managing Bieber’s various enterprises, including Bieber Time Touring LLC, Justin Bieber Brands LLC, and Bieber Time Merchandise. Despite this change, Bieber’s long-time manager, Scooter Braun, continues to manage the musician’s career. According to the source, Bieber remains under contract with Braun for the foreseeable future.
Representatives for both Bieber and Braun did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Edward White, the new financial advisor for Bieber, is a seasoned professional in the industry. He founded Edward White & Co. in 1976, a firm that recently merged with Eide Bailly. The California-based company offers tax and consulting services and boasts a client list that includes several Hollywood figures such as Jack Nicholson and the estates of Lena Horne and Vin Scully.
White has been working with Johnny Depp since 2016 and played a crucial role in Depp’s defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard. Before the high-profile trial, White assisted Depp with his finances in 2017 and helped him in a lawsuit against The Management Group over financial mismanagement.
The source also mentioned that Taylor has been supportive during the transition to White’s management, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities.
This change in financial management comes after Bieber’s significant decision to sell his 291-song catalog to Hipgnosis Songs Capital in 2023. The deal, valued at over $200 million, included the rights to every song Bieber released or had an interest in up until the end of 2021. This encompasses his six studio albums—My World 2.0, Under the Mistletoe, Believe, Purpose, Changes, and Justice—as well as other projects like My World and Journals. Hit singles such as “Baby,” “Boyfriend,” “What Do You Mean?” “Sorry,” “Love Yourself,” “Yummy,” “Holy,” and “Peaches” were also part of the deal.
With this sale, Hipgnosis now owns a 100% interest in the profits from Bieber’s writing and recording credits, as well as “neighboring rights,” which refer to the money earned from public plays of the songs in various venues. However, Bieber’s recorded masters will continue to be owned by Universal Music Group indefinitely.
As Bieber navigates this new chapter in his career, the addition of Edward White to his team signals a strategic move to ensure his financial affairs are in expert hands. With White’s extensive experience and proven track record, Bieber appears to be positioning himself for continued success and stability in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
