LONDON (CelebrityAccess) – As part of Warner Music Group’s (WMG) reorganization, it was revealed that Max Lousada, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Recorded Music, will step down at the end of the fiscal year on September 20 after two decades with the company. He will remain as an advisor until January 31, 2025.
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 that shares 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.”
With the new structure, WMG will not have the positions of CEO of Recorded Music or President of International of Recorded Music. According to the official press release, the reorganization is “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.”
Other changes include:
- Julie Greenwald has been named Chairman of Atlantic Music Group, reporting to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl.
- Veteran executive Simon Robson will now lead Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The UK and Ireland group has moved under the umbrella of European operations.
- Alejandro Duque will continue leading Latin America (LATAM) and WM Latina.
- A leader will be named to the newly created position to oversee the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
Kyncl remarked, “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 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.”
In the United States (US), the label will be split into two groups. Elliot Grainge, founder and CEO of 10k Projects, has been appointed CEO of Warner Music Group, which includes Atlantic Records and 300 Elektra Entertainment. With the new role, WMG will also encompass 10K while under the purview of A&R industry executive Craig Kallman. Warner Records, led by Tom Corson and Aaron Bay-Schuck, will now include oversight of Warner Music Nashville, Nonesuch and Reprise.
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.”
