Reshuffling the Recorded Music Leadership at Warner Music Group

Warner Music Group has announced two key leadership appointments in its Recorded Music division, signaling a strategic shift in the company's global operations. Eric Wong has been named President of East West Records and Head of Global A&R, while Jessica Keeley-Carter has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer of Recorded Music. Both executives will report directly to WMG's CEO, Robert Kyncl, as the company aims to streamline its structure and enhance its ability to identify and nurture global talent.

Unlocking Global Potential through Localized Expertise

Elevating East West Records as a Connector Across WMG's Ecosystem

In his new role, Eric Wong will lead the storied East West Records, which WMG envisions as a "connector across the company's global ecosystem." Wong's appointment underscores the company's commitment to identifying and developing local talents with global appeal. By leveraging his extensive industry relationships and deep understanding of how music travels worldwide, Wong will work to sign and develop artists, while also fostering collaborations and creative opportunities that can propel careers on a global scale.

Powering the Evolution of WMG's Marketing Capabilities

Jessica Keeley-Carter's promotion to Chief Marketing Officer of Recorded Music reflects her expertise in crafting innovative marketing strategies. In this role, Keeley-Carter will be responsible for driving the continued evolution of WMG's global, regional, and local marketing services for its recording artists. Her experience in overseeing commercial label partnerships and executing regional marketing initiatives across LATAM, Asia, and EMEA will be instrumental in helping the company navigate the increasingly complex and cluttered landscape of the music industry.

Streamlining the Recorded Music Operation for Greater Agility

These leadership appointments come on the heels of a broader restructuring of WMG's Recorded Music division. The company has introduced a "flatter regional structure backed by strengthened global services," aiming to create more direct channels between local expertise and global opportunities. This strategic move is designed to enhance the company's responsiveness and adaptability, allowing it to better capitalize on emerging trends and opportunities in the rapidly evolving music landscape.

Navigating a Transition in WMG's Senior Leadership

The changes at the Recorded Music division are part of a broader shakeup at the senior leadership level of Warner Music Group. The departure of Max Lousada, the global CEO of Recorded Music, after eight successful years in the role, has been accompanied by the exits of other notable executives, including Julie Greenwald and Kevin Liles. These changes have paved the way for a new generation of leaders, such as Elliot Grainge, who has been appointed as the CEO of Atlantic Music Group, overseeing the iconic Atlantic Records and Elektra Entertainment.

Leveraging Expertise and Relationships to Drive Growth

The appointments of Eric Wong and Jessica Keeley-Carter reflect WMG's commitment to leveraging the expertise and relationships of its seasoned executives to drive the company's growth and innovation. Wong's deep understanding of the global music landscape and his strong ties within the artistic community will be instrumental in identifying and nurturing talent with worldwide appeal. Keeley-Carter's marketing prowess and her ability to orchestrate best-in-class campaigns will be crucial in helping WMG's artists and labels cut through the noise in an increasingly crowded industry.

Fostering Closer Collaboration Across the WMG Ecosystem

As the company streamlines its Recorded Music operation, the collective WMG team is poised to collaborate even more closely, positioning the organization to take its artists and labels to new heights. The new leadership structure and the enhanced global-local connectivity are designed to unlock synergies, unlock new value, and amplify opportunities for emerging talent across the company's diverse portfolio.