Radio & Music News Weekly
Warner Music Group Restructures Recorded Music Operations
WARNER MUSIC GROUP will reorganize its RECORDED MUSIC operations and streamline its structure. RECORDED MUSIC CEO MAX LOUSADA will step down on SEPTEMBER 30th after 20 years at WMG. JULIE GREENWALD will become Chairman of ATLANTIC MUSIC GROUP, and ELLIOT GRAINGE will become CEO of ATLANTIC MUSIC GROUP, effective OCTOBER 1st. GREENWALD will report to WMG CEO ROBERT KYNCL.
The new structure will eliminate the roles of RECORDED MUSIC CEO/Pres., and RECORDED MUSIC International. Regional leaders will report directly to KYNCL. SIMON ROBSON will oversee EMEA (EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA,) ALEJANDRO DUQUE will continue to lead LATAM (LATIN AMERICA,) and a new leader will be appointed for APAC (ASIA PACIFIC.)
In the U.S., ATLANTIC MUSIC GROUP will include ATLANTIC RECORDS, 300 ELEKTRA ENTERTAINMENT, and 10K PROJECTS. WARNER RECORDS will oversee WARNER MUSIC NASHVILLE, NONESUCH, and REPRISE.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP is strengthening its central global operations in order to create new opportunities for artists and drive additional revenue across distribution (via ADA), Global Catalog, Marketing, and WMX (including merchandising and Direct To Fan). The heads of these divisions will report to KYNCL effective OCTOBER 1st.
KYNCL said, “On behalf of everyone at WMG, I’d like to thank MAX for his extraordinary achievements over the last twenty years. MAX is a true artists’ champion who created a culture that puts artistry first, growing our global reach and building a roster of incredible talent and an outstanding team. I’m grateful that he’ll be helping to ensure a smooth transition.”
“I’m very happy to promote ELLIOT to his new position and delighted that JULIE will be taking on her new role. Both of them will work with CRAIG as we take this iconic label to even greater heights.”
LOUSADA added, “Over the past two decades, we created something special together at WARNER: a music company built for artists, where original voices are championed, their creativity is honored and protected, and superstar careers are ignited.”
GREENWALD commented, “My whole career is about developing baby bands into career artists and empowering our amazing people to change culture in unexpected ways. It’s been twenty years since I walked through the door at ATLANTIC and began the work of rearchitecting this iconic label.”
“I couldn’t have done it without the deep passion and dedication of my incredible team and our unbelievable artists. Finally, I want to welcome ELLIOT. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
GRAINGE said, “It will be a huge honor to join such a legendary label group, partner with its iconic artists, and build on the extraordinary achievements of JULIE and CRAIG. They’re leading a second golden age at ATLANTIC RECORDS. I’d like to thank MAX for his faith in me and ROBERT for trusting me with this great responsibility.”