Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced a major leadership reshuffle, with Val Blavatnik, son of majority shareholder Len Blavatnik, joining the company’s executive team as managing director of North America, the UK and corporate development.
The appointment was announced on Friday as part of a wider set of executive changes affecting the company’s international operations, distribution business and major record labels. Val Blavatnik, who already serves on WMG’s board of directors, will help coordinate business and operational strategy across key markets while guiding investment decisions aimed at supporting the company’s growth.
His entry into WMG’s executive leadership has been anticipated within the music industry for several years. In his new role, he is expected to focus on aligning the company’s operations across North America and the UK, alongside its broader corporate development strategy.
Elsewhere, Atlantic Music Group CEO Elliot Grainge has been appointed chairman of WMG’s distribution services company, ADA. Atlantic COO Zach Friedman will serve as ADA’s vice chairman, with the appointments expanding the responsibilities of two executives within the Atlantic leadership team.
Warner Records Group has also undergone a leadership adjustment. Following Tom Corson’s recent promotion to chief operating officer of the wider Warner Music Group, Aaron Bay-Schuck has been named the sole chairman and CEO of Warner Records Group.
At the international level, Warner Music Latin America president Alejandro Duque has been elevated to president of Warner Music International. His expanded remit will include oversight of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions.
Meanwhile, Guillermo Gonzalez, previously an executive at Warner Music Iberia, has been promoted to president of Warner Music EMEA. Andrés Rothschild will succeed Gonzalez as president of Warner Music Iberia.
WMG CEO Robert Kyncl said the changes were designed to build on the company’s recent performance and strengthen its leadership as it pursues its next phase of growth. The company’s strategic priorities include growing market share, increasing the value of music and improving operational efficiency. Kyncl described the appointments as a way to expand the impact of experienced executives while adding Val Blavatnik’s operational and strategic expertise to the senior leadership team.
The reshuffle also includes the planned departure of longtime executive Simon Robson, who will step down in December after nearly 30 years with the company to pursue new opportunities. Kyncl praised Robson’s contribution to WMG’s international expansion, operational performance and leadership over the course of his tenure.
These changes come amid a broader period of executive turnover at Warner Music Group. Former chief financial officer Armin Zerza confirmed his departure in July, while Warner Chappell Music COO and co-chair Carianne Marshall is also leaving the publishing company. Guy Moot is set to become Warner Chappell’s sole chairman.
Taken together, the appointments and departures signal a significant restructuring of WMG’s senior leadership, with expanded responsibilities for several established executives and a new role for Val Blavatnik as the company looks to strengthen its position across key music markets.
