Jayesh Veralkar Exits Dolby After 13 Years To Focus Full-Time On Vinyl Souk

Jayesh Veralkar has exited Dolby after over 13 years to focus full-time on Vinyl Souk, the UAE-based music and culture platform he co-founded. The move marks a new chapter for Veralkar, who has worked across music, technology, marketing and live entertainment.

Veralkar joined Dolby in August 2013 and most recently served as Senior Marketing Manager for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey. During his tenure, he led regional marketing initiatives and partner collaborations, and played a key role in launching Dolby Cinema in the Middle East.

Sharing the development, Veralkar said his time at Dolby had been an incredible chapter, expressing gratitude for the experience and learnings. He added that Vinyl Souk, which began as a passion project, had grown into a platform he strongly believes in and is now ready to dedicate his full energy to.

Founded in 2023, Vinyl Souk focuses on independent music, vinyl culture and the arts through curated live experiences, educational initiatives, festivals and recorded music. The platform has reached more than 10,000 attendees through over 50 curated experiences, featuring more than 240 regional and international artists.

Its initiatives include Souk Sessions, Souk Lab, the Vinyl Souk Mini Festival and Made in the Emirates, a compilation series documenting independent music from the UAE.

Before joining Dolby, Veralkar worked with Sony Music India, where he established and led an independent music vertical focused on unsigned artists, live programming, talent management and bookings. He also worked with IBM, Integreon and Channel V, and founded Eventuality Inc., a venture focused on music events and brand activations.

Veralkar’s move to Vinyl Souk brings together his experience in brand marketing, music partnerships and artist development. As the platform continues to build opportunities for independent artists and strengthen the UAE’s music ecosystem, his full-time involvement signals a deeper focus on growing the venture’s presence across live experiences, education and recorded music.