Warner Music Group has announced an update to its recorded music leadership structure, which the major says is designed to “power the company’s next chapter of growth”.
“The strategic realignment elevates dynamic executive talent across key territories, optimises cross-border operations and maximises the impact of the team’s diverse skill sets,” said a statement.
As part of the changes, British executive Simon Robson (president, EMEA, Recorded Music, Warner Music Group) will leave Warner Music in December after almost 30 years to pursue new opportunities. His role included responsibility for the UK. Val Blavatnik has now joined the team in the new role of managing director, Warner Music North America, UK, & corporate development.
“[Simon] Robson has helped shape WMG’s operations in a wide range of markets, promoting new leaders, championing domestic repertoire, and encouraging greater international collaboration,” said a statement.
In addition, Elliot Grainge will expand his remit, becoming chairman of ADA in the US.
We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Simon Robson for his dedicated service, operational excellence and trusted leadership while expanding WMG’s global footprint over his remarkable tenure
Robert Kyncl
The key changes are:
• Val Blavatnik has joined the executive team in the new role of managing director, Warner Music North America, UK, & corporate development. “Blavatnik will unify and drive business and operational strategy across these markets while guiding the company’s investment strategy to support growth,” said Warner’s announcement.
• Alejandro Duque has been elevated to president, Warner Music International, adding the APAC and EMEA regions to his remit. He is credited with quadrupling Warner Music Latin America’s frontline US Latin market share over his five-year tenure. “Duque will scale his expertise to drive synergy across territories and strategic investment in the world’s fast-growing markets to accelerate global expansion,” said Warner Music’s statement.
• Elliot Grainge is now chairman of ADA in the US in addition to his current role as chairman and CEO of Atlantic Music Group. He has appointed Zach Friedman to serve as vice chairman of ADA in addition to his COO role at AMG.
“Leveraging their experience as independent entrepreneurs who built their own successful indie label, 10K Projects, Grainge and Friedman will continue to operate ADA as a standalone business delivering best-in-class service to the independent community,” said the statement.
• Aaron Bay-Schuck has become the sole chairman and CEO of Warner Records Group. The major said he has transformed Warner Records into an artist-development powerhouse and significantly increased its market share since taking the reins as co-chairman and CEO in 2018.
• Guillermo Gonzalez has been promoted to president, Warner Music EMEA after six years overseeing strong growth at Warner Music Iberia, which has integrated live and management businesses and strengthened Warner across Iberia and Latin markets. Andrés Rothschild will take over as president of Warner Music Iberia.
These frontline executive changes enhance our best-in-class leadership team with diverse skill sets to execute on the next chapter of WMG’s growth
Robert Kyncl
Robert Kyncl, CEO of Warner Music Group, said: “To build upon our successful year in which we delivered on all three strategic priorities to grow market share, increase the value of music, and increase our efficiency, these frontline executive changes enhance our best-in-class leadership team with diverse skill sets to execute on the next chapter of WMG’s growth. Elliot, Aaron, Alejandro, and Guillermo are exceptional, dynamic, and proven leaders who have transformed their domains, and elevating them allows us to further scale their success. I’m also excited to welcome Val to the executive team, where his operational and strategic focus will help us build our momentum across key markets.”
Kyncl added: “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Simon Robson for his dedicated service, operational excellence and trusted leadership while expanding WMG’s global footprint over his remarkable tenure, and wish him the very best in his next endeavors.”
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