One of the most respected executives in the global music industry has a new job.
Earlier on October 14, Music Week reported on Universal unveiling a series of layoffs – including restructures to the UK organisation, with significant changes to Polydor, UMG International and UMR – as part of its previously planned and announced cost savings measures.
Within this, it was confirmed through sources that, after 30 years with Universal, Republic Records’ chairman and CEO Jim Roppo had “made the decision to leave the company and plans to share further details shortly.” And now we know his next move.
Warner Records Group have just announced the appointment of Roppo to the role of vice chairman.
An official WMG press release states that Roppo, who will be based in Los Angeles, will report to Warner Records Group chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck and “oversee operations across the group’s labels.”
At the time of writing, his start date has yet to be confirmed.
Jim will be invaluable as we accelerate the next phase of growth for Warner Records Group
Aaron Bay-Schuck
Roppo is the latest in a series of recent appointments from WMG. In late September, it was revealed that Val Blavatnik – the 28-year-old son of Access Industries founder and WMG majority shareholder Len Blavatnik – had joined the team in the new role of managing director, Warner Music North America, UK & corporate development.
As part of the changes, British executive Simon Robson (president, EMEA, Recorded Music, Warner Music Group) announced he would leave Warner Music in December after almost 30 years to pursue new opportunities, with Sonny Takhar freshly appointed as the new chairman and CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland.
In addition, the aforementioned Aaron Bay-Schuck became the sole chairman and CEO of Warner Records Group, while Elliot Grainge expanded his remit to become chairman of ADA in the US. Elsewhere, Alejandro Duque was elevated to president, Warner Music International, adding the APAC and EMEA regions to his remit, and Guillermo Gonzalez was promoted to president, Warner Music EMEA after six years overseeing strong growth at Warner Music Iberia.
My focus has always been on backing great music and helping teams win, and I look forward to bringing that to Warner
Jim Roppo
Prior to his most recent UMG role, Roppo was president and COO of Republic Collective.
Speaking about the appointment, Aaron Bay-Schuck, chairman & CEO of Warner Records Group, said: “Everything we do is rooted in artist development, and Jim has spent his career ensuring that creatives have the tools, resources, and support to reach their full potential. Few have excelled across so many parts of our business - from digital to commerce to marketing - and that range, paired with a track record of breaking stars, will be invaluable as we accelerate the next phase of growth for Warner Records Group.”
Jim Roppo added: "I'm excited to join Warner Records at such an important moment, with undeniable momentum across the roster. My focus has always been on backing great music and helping teams win, and I look forward to bringing that to Warner. My biggest thanks to Aaron for this opportunity."
