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WARNER MUSIC GROUP ANNOUNCES REORGANIZATION OF RECORDED MUSIC OPERATIONS

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Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced a reorganization of its Recorded Music operations, aimed at strengthening artist services and creating more direct channels between local expertise and global opportunities. Key changes include:

1. Max Lousada, CEO of Recorded Music, will step down at the end of the fiscal year after 20 years with WMG.

2. Julie Greenwald will transition to a new role as Chairman of Atlantic Music Group.

3. Elliot Grainge will become CEO of Atlantic Music Group, effective October 1, 2024.

4. A new, flatter structure will elevate creative regional leadership, with regional and divisional leaders reporting directly to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl.

5. The company will strengthen its central global operations in distribution, Global Catalog, Marketing, and WMX.

Warner Music Group (WMG) ha annunciato una ristrutturazione delle sue operazioni di Recorded Music, con l'obiettivo di rafforzare i servizi per gli artisti e creare canali più diretti tra le competenze locali e le opportunità globali. Le modifiche principali includono:

1. Max Lousada, CEO di Recorded Music, si dimetterà alla fine dell'anno fiscale dopo 20 anni con WMG.

2. Julie Greenwald passerà a un nuovo ruolo come Presidente di Atlantic Music Group.

3. Elliot Grainge diventerà CEO di Atlantic Music Group, a partire dal 1 ottobre 2024.

4. Una nuova struttura più snella favorirà la leadership creativa regionale, con i leader regionali e divisionali che riporteranno direttamente al CEO di WMG, Robert Kyncl.

5. L'azienda rafforzerà le sue operazioni globali centrali in distribuzione, Catalogo Globale, Marketing e WMX.

Warner Music Group (WMG) ha anunciado una reestructuración de sus operaciones de Música Grabada, con el objetivo de fortalecer los servicios para artistas y crear canales más directos entre la experiencia local y las oportunidades globales. Los cambios clave incluyen:

1. Max Lousada, CEO de Música Grabada, renunciará al final del año fiscal después de 20 años en WMG.

2. Julie Greenwald asumirá un nuevo rol como presidenta de Atlantic Music Group.

3. Elliot Grainge se convertirá en CEO de Atlantic Music Group, con efecto a partir del 1 de octubre de 2024.

4. Una nueva estructura más plana elevará el liderazgo creativo regional, con líderes regionales y divisionales reportando directamente al CEO de WMG, Robert Kyncl.

5. La compañía fortalecerá sus operaciones globales centrales en distribución, Catálogo Global, Marketing y WMX.

워너 뮤직 그룹 (WMG)은 레코드 음악 운영의 재편성을 발표했습니다. 이는 아티스트 서비스를 강화하고 지역 전문성과 글로벌 기회 간의 더 직접적인 경로를 만드는 것을 목표로 합니다. 주요 변경 사항은 다음과 같습니다:

1. 맥스 루사다가 레코드 음악 CEO직을 20년 재직 후 회계 연도 말에 사임합니다.

2. 줄리 그린월드는 아틀란틱 뮤직 그룹의 회장이라는 새로운 역할로 전환할 것입니다.

3. 엘리엇 그레인즈가 2024년 10월 1일부터 아틀란틱 뮤직 그룹의 CEO가 됩니다.

4. 새로운 더 평평한 구조가 창의적인 지역 리더십을 강화하며, 지역 및 부서 리더들이 WMG CEO 로버트 킨클에게 직접 보고하게 됩니다.

5. 회사는 배급, 글로벌 카탈로그, 마케팅 및 WMX에서 중앙 글로벌 운영을 강화할 것입니다.

Warner Music Group (WMG) a annoncé une réorganisation de ses opérations de musique enregistrée, visant à renforcer les services aux artistes et à créer des canaux plus directs entre l'expertise locale et les opportunités mondiales. Les principaux changements incluent :

1. Max Lousada, CEO de la musique enregistrée, quittera ses fonctions à la fin de l'année fiscale après 20 ans chez WMG.

2. Julie Greenwald fera la transition vers un nouveau poste de présidente d'Atlantic Music Group.

3. Elliot Grainge deviendra CEO d'Atlantic Music Group, à compter du 1er octobre 2024.

4. Une nouvelle structure plus plate mettra en avant le leadership créatif régional, avec des leaders régionaux et divisionnaires rapportant directement au CEO de WMG, Robert Kyncl.

5. L'entreprise renforcera ses opérations mondiales centrales dans les domaines de la distribution, du catalogue mondial, du marketing et de WMX.

Warner Music Group (WMG) hat eine Umstrukturierung ihrer Recorded Music-Operationen bekannt gegeben, die darauf abzielt, die Dienstleistungen für Künstler zu stärken und direktere Kanäle zwischen lokalem Fachwissen und globalen Chancen zu schaffen. Zu den wichtigsten Änderungen gehören:

1. Max Lousada, CEO von Recorded Music, wird nach 20 Jahren bei WMG zum Ende des Geschäftsjahres zurücktreten.

2. Julie Greenwald wird eine neue Rolle als Vorsitzende der Atlantic Music Group übernehmen.

3. Elliot Grainge wird am 1. Oktober 2024 CEO der Atlantic Music Group.

4. Eine neue, flachere Struktur wird die kreative regionale Führung fördern, wobei regionale und divisionale Leiter direkt an WMG-CEO Robert Kyncl berichten.

5. Das Unternehmen wird seine zentralen globalen Operationen in den Bereichen Vertrieb, Global Catalog, Marketing und WMX stärken.

Positive
  • Reorganization aims to strengthen artist services and create more direct channels between local expertise and global opportunities
  • Elliot Grainge, founder of successful 10K Projects, becomes CEO of Atlantic Music Group
  • Flatter structure elevates creative regional leadership
  • Strengthening of central global operations in distribution, Global Catalog, Marketing, and WMX
  • Acquisition of majority stake in 10K Projects, bringing in new talent and expertise
Negative
  • Departure of Max Lousada, CEO of Recorded Music, after 20 years with the company
  • Elimination of CEO, Recorded Music and President, International, Recorded Music roles

After Two Highly Successful Decades at WMG, Max Lousada Announces Decision to Step Down at End of Fiscal Year

Creative Regional Leadership to Be Elevated Through Flatter Structure;
Greater Impact Through Globalized Services

Elliot Grainge Becomes CEO of Atlantic Music Group at Beginning of Fiscal Year 2025; Julie Greenwald to Take New Role as Chairman of Atlantic Music Group

NEW YORK,  August 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner Music Group (Nasdaq: WMG) today unveiled a dynamic new structure for its Recorded Music operations, designed to strengthen services to artists at every stage of their careers, create more direct channels between local expertise and global opportunities, and position the company for long-term growth.

As part of this reorganization, Max Lousada, CEO, Recorded Music, has decided to step down at the end of the fiscal year (September 30), after eight highly successful years in the role, and 20 years at WMG. Lousada will remain as an advisor through January 31. 

At the same time, Julie Greenwald has begun a leadership transition, which will see her take on a new role as Chairman, Atlantic Music Group, reporting to Robert Kyncl, WMG CEO. Effective October 1, Elliot Grainge, 10K Projects Founder & CEO, will become CEO of Atlantic Music Group, reporting to Kyncl. Continuing the tradition of independently minded entrepreneurs joining WMG, Grainge became part of the global senior management team last year, after the company acquired a majority stake in his trailblazing label. 

Effective October 1, the new, flatter structure will elevate creative regional leadership, supported by global services, delivering maximum impact for artists on the world stage. WMG's Recorded Music regional and divisional leaders will report directly to Kyncl. In the new structure, WMG will neither have the roles of CEO, Recorded Music nor President, International, Recorded Music. 

  • Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) - will be overseen by seasoned exec Simon Robson. The UK & Ireland group will now be part of European operations.
  • Latin America (LATAM) - including WM Latina, will continue to be run by Alejandro Duque, who has made a big impact on the region since joining WMG in 2021.
  • Asia Pacific (APAC) - a leader will be appointed to the newly created position overseeing the entire APAC region. 
  • US - will be organized in two label groups. Atlantic Music Group, to be run by Elliot Grainge as CEO, already includes Atlantic Records and 300 Elektra Entertainment  – and will now also encompass recently acquired 10K Projects, while continuing to benefit from the creative expertise of A&R legend Craig Kallman. Warner Records, which has enjoyed a resurgence under Tom Corson & Aaron Bay-Schuck – will now include oversight of Warner Music Nashville, along with Nonesuch and Reprise.  

At the same time, 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). As a result, effective October 1, the respective heads of those divisions will report to Kyncl. 

Robert 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." 

He added: "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 working with Craig, as we take this iconic label to even greater heights. Elliot has been a stellar addition to WMG's leadership team, with a distinctive approach to artist development. We have an amazing bench of creative leaders, and I'm looking forward to working more closely with them, as we collaborate on the company's next phase of creative excellence, commercial transformation, and growing revenues. At a time when global culture moves at the speed of light, we're doubling down on great artists and diverse music scenes, empowering our talent and team to have maximum impact."

Max Lousada said: "Over the past two decades, we created something special together at Warner: a music company built for artists, where original voices are championed, where their creativity is honored and protected, and where superstar careers are ignited. I'm proud to have grown a world-class team who share that vision and whose enterprise and energy have brought in new labels, rebuilt iconic brands, expanded our global network, and pioneered new fan experiences. The music business has always been about evolution, and the time has come for me to build something new. I'll be helping the team through this transition, and I have no doubt they'll continue to develop artists who move the world."

Julie Greenwald said: "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, who make music that inspires and moves people everywhere. Finally, I want to welcome Elliot; I'm looking forward to working with him as we continue to place our artists and their music at the heart of this company."

Elliot 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'm excited to work with the talented team at Atlantic Music Group to take the artists and the brand into fresh territory, and continue to nurture 10K's artists and its unique spirit. Together, we'll pioneer powerful opportunities for the creative community and raise up a new generation of superstars. In the meantime, I'd like to thank Max for his faith in me and Robert for trusting me with this great responsibility."

Access accompanying images here

Max Lousada

Among the many artists that have flourished during Lousada's leadership are superstars such as Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, Coldplay, David Guetta, Megan Thee Stallion, Myke Towers, and Diljit Dosanjh. Throughout his tenure, WMG's recorded music operation strengthened its global footprint, expanding into major markets such as India and the Middle East, and carrying out high-profile acquisitions such as 10K Projects, 300 Entertainment, and Spinnin' Records. Prior to becoming CEO of Recorded Music in 2017, Lousada served as Chairman & CEO of Warner Music UK, where he oversaw the integration of Parlophone Records. Lousada previously headed up Atlantic Records UK for nine years, during which time he built an award-winning team and a strong roster of artists including Paolo Nutini, James Blunt, Rudimental, Plan B, Marina and the Diamonds, and Damien Rice. In 2002, he joined Mushroom Records as Head of A&R, signing ambient dance act Zero 7 and overseeing releases from acts such as Muse, Ash, Garbage, and DJ Paul Oakenfold. In 2000, he became the European Managing Director for the New York-based hip-hop label Rawkus Records, working with artists such as Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch. Lousada began his music industry career straight out of college, founding his own distribution company, In A Silent Way. In 2018, Lousada was introduced by Dua Lipa when he accepted Music Week's prestigious Strat Award, which recognizes industry icons and innovators.   

Julie Greenwald

Since joining Atlantic 20 years ago, Greenwald has been integral to the success of top artists such as Cardi B, Brandi Carlile, Kelly Clarkson, Coldplay, Jack Harlow, Lil Uzi Vert, Lizzo, Charli XCX, Kehlani, Bruno Mars, Janelle Monáe, Panic! at the Disco, Charlie Puth, Ed Sheeran, Tiësto, Rob Thomas, Twenty One Pilots, and Wiz Khalifa, among many others, as well as award-winning projects such as Barbie the Album and the Original Broadway Cast Recordings of Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen. Under her leadership, Atlantic Music Group has grown to encompass music brands such as 300, ATCO, Big Beat, DTA, Elektra, Fueled By Ramen, Low Country Sound, Public Consumption, and Roadrunner. In 2021, she played a pivotal role in the acquisition of 300 Entertainment, bringing artists such as Gunna, Young Thug, and Megan Thee Stallion. In 2020, she helped to architect a new phase of WMG's partnership with Artist Partner Group, originally formed in 2012. In 2018, Greenwald oversaw the re-launch of Elektra as a stand-alone label in the US. Prior to Atlantic, she was president of The Island Def Jam Music Group. She began her career at Rush Management and then Def Jam working with Jay Z, Method Man, DMX, and many others. Greenwald has been chosen five times as Billboard's Women in Music Executive of the Year — more than any other person.

Elliot Grainge

Grainge joined WMG last year, after the company acquired a majority stake in his trailblazing label, 10K Projects. 10K Projects has discovered and developed new superstars and fast-rising names, including alt-pop sensation Artemas, rap stars Ice Spice, Trippie Redd, and 6ix9ine, No.1 Christian artist Forrest Frank, pop duo Surfaces, as well as exciting talent like Aitch, YTB Fatt, and COIN. Grainge was also behind the signing of XXXTENTACION in 2016. In just seven years, 10K Projects' team of expert digital marketers has been behind countless commercial and cultural hits, including over 30 platinum-certified singles. In 2022, Grainge struck a deal to bring Homemade Projects into the fold, which encompasses a record label, influencer management, and merchandise operation. 

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

When will Max Lousada step down as CEO of Recorded Music at Warner Music Group (WMG)?

Max Lousada will step down as CEO of Recorded Music at Warner Music Group (WMG) at the end of the fiscal year, which is September 30, 2024.

Who will become the new CEO of Atlantic Music Group at Warner Music Group (WMG)?

Elliot Grainge, founder of 10K Projects, will become the new CEO of Atlantic Music Group at Warner Music Group (WMG), effective October 1, 2024.

What changes are being made to Warner Music Group's (WMG) organizational structure?

Warner Music Group (WMG) is implementing a flatter structure that elevates creative regional leadership. Regional and divisional leaders will report directly to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl, and the roles of CEO, Recorded Music and President, International, Recorded Music will be eliminated.

How will Julie Greenwald's role change at Warner Music Group (WMG)?

Julie Greenwald will transition to a new role as Chairman of Atlantic Music Group at Warner Music Group (WMG), reporting to CEO Robert Kyncl.

Warner Music Group Corp.

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