Former Republic Records chairman and CEO Jim Roppo is joining Warner Records Group as vice chair, marking a major executive move amid significant leadership changes across the global music industry.
Warner Music Group announced the appointment on Wednesday, with Roppo set to report directly to Warner Records Group chairman and CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck. The move follows Roppo’s departure from Universal Music Group, where he spent approximately three decades building his career across different areas of the music business.
His appointment comes amid a wider restructuring at Universal Music Group, Republic Records’ parent company. Roppo was among the high-profile executives confirmed to be leaving the company, alongside Def Jam CEO Tunji Balogun and Polydor label group president Ben Mortimer.
Roppo brings extensive experience in artist development, marketing, digital strategy and commerce to his new role at Warner. His career at Universal Music Group has spanned several areas of the industry, giving him a broad understanding of how to develop artists and build successful music businesses.
“I’m excited to join Warner Records at such an important moment, with undeniable momentum across the roster,” Roppo said in a statement. “My focus has always been on backing great music and helping teams win, and I look forward to bringing that to Warner. My biggest thanks to Aaron for this opportunity.”
Bay-Schuck also welcomed Roppo’s arrival, pointing to his experience in supporting artists and helping develop successful careers. He highlighted Roppo’s work across digital, commerce and marketing as valuable experience that could help Warner Records Group pursue its next phase of growth.
“Everything we do is rooted in artist development,” Bay-Schuck said, adding that Roppo’s track record of breaking stars and providing creative teams with the resources they need would be an important asset to the company.
The appointment follows another significant leadership change at Warner Music Group. Tom Corson, who previously served as chief operating officer at Warner Records, was promoted to COO of the wider Warner Music Group at the end of July.
Roppo’s arrival adds another experienced industry executive to Warner’s leadership team as the company continues to build on its artist roster and strengthen its operations. His move also highlights the shifting executive landscape across major record labels, with established industry figures taking on new roles as companies adjust their leadership structures.
