Simon Robson to lead WMG operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa

According to the company, the move is to better support artists, connect local expertise with global opportunities, and drive growth.

Robson, appointed as WMG’s president of international recorded music in 2020, began his Warner Music career in 1998 as director of finance for the Asia Pacific region. After working at Warner Music Japan, he became VP of operations and finance for Europe in 2004. He served as COO and CFO of Warner Music UK from 2007 to 2015 before leading Warner Music Asia in Hong Kong.

WMG boasts investments in businesses like Ziiki Media, Chocolate City, and Africori in Africa through Warner Music Africa (WMA). The company is also responsible for engineering global artists’ success in the continent and promoting their local repertoire worldwide, notable stories including singer CKay, whose hit single ‘Love Nwantiti’ went eight times platinum in the US, and Rema, whose ‘Calm Down’ remix became the first African artist-led track to cross a billion streams on Spotify last year. WMA also recently entered into partnerships with Nigerian singer-songwriter Joeboy, South African amapiano producer and DJ Yumbs, and Ghanaian label Small World Records. 

WMG and the Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund have also contributed over $400 000 to the industry, supporting initiatives such as West African Vocational Education and The Sarz Academy in Nigeria.

The company has also disclosed plans to build a creative hub in Lagos, allowing for the provision of more A&R, operations and marketing expertise to Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.

Meanwhile, as part of the company’s reorganisation, Max Lousada, CEO of Recorded Music, will step down on September 30 after an impressive eight-year tenure and 20 years with WMG. Lousada will remain as an advisor until 31 January.

Julie Greenwald is transitioning to the role of chairman of Atlantic Music Group, reporting to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl. Effective 1 October, 10K Projects founder and CEO Elliot Grainge will become the CEO of Atlantic Music Group, also reporting to Kyncl. Grainge joined WMG’s global senior management team last year after WMG acquired a majority stake in 10K Projects.

WMG CEO Robert Kyncl said: “On behalf of everyone at WMG, I’d like to thank Max for his extraordinary achievements over the last 20 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.”