MICHAEL RYAN-SOUTHERN TO JOIN WARNER MUSIC GROUP AS EVP, CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT

Rhea-AI Summary

Warner Music Group (Nasdaq: WMG) has appointed Michael Ryan-Southern (MRS) as Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, effective August 5th.

MRS, who has extensive experience in investment, finance, and the music industry, will lead WMG's M&A activities. He will work closely with various departments to identify and acquire companies and catalogs to enhance growth and earnings.

Previously, MRS was Global Head of Music & Live Entertainment Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs and held senior roles at Mubadala Capital and EMI Music Publishing. He will report to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl and be based in New York.

MRS's appointment aligns with WMG's growth strategy and commitment to leveraging opportunities in recorded music, music publishing, and global markets.

MRS expressed excitement about WMG's entrepreneurial spirit and tech-forward approach, looking forward to contributing to the company's vision and evolution.

Positive

• Appointment of Michael Ryan-Southern, a highly experienced executive, as EVP, Corporate Development.
• MRS's extensive background in investment, finance, and music industry strengthens WMG's leadership team.
• Focus on M&A activities could potentially enhance WMG's growth and earnings.
• MRS's role at Goldman Sachs included leading several landmark deals in the music and live entertainment industry.
• MRS's presence could leverage his wide-ranging network to benefit WMG's strategic goals.
• WMG's strategy to identify and acquire companies and catalogs aligns with market opportunities.
• MRS's recognition in the Billboard Power 100 list in Finance adds credibility to his expertise.

Negative

• Potential risks associated with M&A activities, including integration challenges and financial risks.
• Dependence on MRS's performance and network for successful M&A could be a vulnerability.
• No immediate financial benefits or specific deals announced with MRS's appointment.

Former Goldman Sachs & EMI Music Exec to Spearhead Company's M&A

NEW YORK, June 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Ryan-Southern (MRS) is being appointed by Warner Music Group (Nasdaq: WMG) to the newly created post of Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, effective August 5th. MRS, who comes to WMG with two decades of investment, finance, and music industry experience, most recently served as Global Head of Music & Live Entertainment Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs.

MRS will lead all stages of M&A activity, working in partnership with WMG's leaders and departments to identify and acquire companies and catalogs that can enhance WMG's growth and earnings. He will report to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl and be based at the company's New York headquarters.

"The market is filled with opportunities, in both recorded music and music publishing, and across different geographies," said Kyncl. "We're bullish on the long-term value of music, and having someone with Michael's domain expertise and wide-ranging network run point on M&A will supercharge our efforts."

"This is an incredibly exciting time to be in the music industry, and WMG's entrepreneurial spirit and tech-forward approach make it a tremendously welcoming environment for both artistic creativity and business innovation," said MRS. "I'm excited by Robert and the team's vision for the company, and I'm looking forward to working with him and the entire WMG team to help grow and evolve the company into the future."

While at Goldman Sachs, MRS was the Head of Music & Live Entertainment Investment Banking team leading several landmark deals across the music & live entertainment industry. Prior to joining Goldman in 2021, MRS spent eight years in senior leadership positions among a number of Mubadala Capital and Mubadala Investment Company portfolio companies including Deputy CFO at EMI Music Publishing and President of the Hakkasan Group. MRS started his career at KPMG in London and later in New York where he spent several years advising businesses on M&A and International Tax & Treasury planning.

MRS was named to the 2024 Billboard Power 100 list in Finance. He holds an MBA degree from Columbia Business School which he obtained through their executive program, a master's degree in tax law, and a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance.

About Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group (WMG) brings together artists, songwriters, entrepreneurs, and technology that are moving entertainment culture across the globe. Operating in more than 70 countries through a network of affiliates and licensees, WMG's Recorded Music division includes renowned labels such as 10K Projects, 300 Entertainment, Asylum, Atlantic, Big Beat, Elektra, Erato, First Night, Fueled By Ramen, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin', Warner Records, Warner Classics, and Warner Music Nashville. WMG's music publishing arm, Warner Chappell Music, has a catalog of over one million copyrights spanning every musical genre, from the standards of the Great American Songbook to the biggest hits of the 21st century. Warner Music Group is also home to ADA, which supports the independent community, as well as artist services division WMX. In addition, WMG counts film and television storytelling powerhouse Warner Music Entertainment among its many brands. Follow WMG on Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Media Contact
James Steven
James.Steven@wmg.com

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SOURCE Warner Music Group Corp.

FAQ

What role will Michael Ryan-Southern play at Warner Music Group?

Michael Ryan-Southern will serve as Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, leading WMG's M&A activities.

When will Michael Ryan-Southern join Warner Music Group?

Michael Ryan-Southern will join Warner Music Group on August 5th, 2024.

What experience does Michael Ryan-Southern bring to Warner Music Group?

Michael Ryan-Southern has extensive experience in investment banking, finance, and the music industry, including roles at Goldman Sachs, Mubadala Capital, and EMI Music Publishing.

How will Michael Ryan-Southern's appointment impact Warner Music Group's growth?

Michael Ryan-Southern's expertise in M&A is expected to enhance WMG's growth by identifying and acquiring companies and catalogs.

What is Warner Music Group's strategy with Michael Ryan-Southern's appointment?

Warner Music Group aims to leverage MRS's experience to pursue M&A opportunities in recorded music, music publishing, and global markets.