Warner Music has a new leader in London.
Sonny Takhar has been appointed chairman and CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland.
Taking up the role in January 2027, Takhar will oversee creative direction, artist development, and strategic operations across WMG’s recorded music footprint in the UK and Ireland.
Takhar will report to Val Blavatnik, managing director of Warner Music North America, UK & corporate development. Takhar’s remit will also include operational oversight of WMG’s independent distribution arm, ADA, in the UK and Ireland. He will work in close partnership with Elliot Grainge, CEO and chairman of Atlantic Music Group and chairman of ADA in the US, as well as Aaron Bay-Schuck, chairman and CEO of Warner Records Group.
It follows a turbulent period at the major’s London HQ, with the departure of two senior figures in the past 12 months.
Tony Harlow stepped down as CEO of Warner Music UK in October 2025. Then last Friday (September 25), Warner Music veteran Simon Robson announced his departure after almost three decades.
While the UK labels have reported into the US since September 2025, Robson retained oversight of the shared services and other teams in the UK.
Robson’s announced departure for December 2026 was part of a wider global shake-up, which saw Val Blavatnik – son of WMG’s majority shareholder Len Blavatnik – appointed to that new role of managing director, Warner Music North America, UK & corporate development. Music Week confirmed that Val Blavatnik will now oversee recorded music operations and corporate development in North America and the UK.
In addition, it was confirmed that Elliot Grainge will expand his remit, becoming chairman of ADA in the US.
Reporting lines under the new leadership structure have not yet been revealed.
Sonny is one of the most visionary executives in music and his track record of discovering, nurturing, and breaking global superstars speaks for itself
Val Blavatnik
As a founding partner of Syco Entertainment with Simon Cowell at Sony Music, he oversaw a roster that generated more than 400 million record sales, 244 No.1 albums, and 169 No.1 singles worldwide. During his tenure, he played a central role in breaking One Direction, Labrinth, Leona Lewis, Little Mix, James Arthur and Fifth Harmony, alongside leading the launch of hit global TV franchises The X Factor and Got Talent.
More recently, Takhar co-founded Los Angeles-based KYN Entertainment in a joint venture with Live Nation, covering recorded music, publishing and management. His track record also includes guiding Westlife to sell-out stadium tours worldwide and managing Steve Mac, one of the world’s most successful songwriters and producers.
Beyond the industry, Takhar co-created UNICEF’s World Children’s Day and serves as a formal advisor to the organisation.
Val Blavatnik said: “Sonny is one of the most visionary executives in music and his track record of discovering, nurturing, and breaking global superstars speaks for itself. His instinct for talent, deep understanding of the wider music ecosystem and strategic global perspective make him the perfect leader to power Warner Music UK & Ireland forward.”
Sonny Takhar added: “I’m delighted to lead Warner Music UK & Ireland into its next chapter. Drawing on my background across labels, management, publishing and touring, I look forward to driving the business with spirit, ambition, innovation, and integrity. Our mission is to build a forward-thinking and artist-centric organisation that empowers talent to forge long-term global careers.”
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