Chairman & CEO of Warner Music UK (WMUK), Max Lousada, has today (April 5) been named CEO, Recorded Music for Warner Music Group (WMG), effective October 1, 2017. With this promotion, Lousada will oversee all of WMG’s global Recorded Music operations, including Atlantic, Warner Bros., Parlophone, Warner Music Nashville, Global Catalog/Rhino and Warner Classics, as well as WMG's international Recorded Music affiliates and WMG’s Artist & Label Services divisions, WEA and ADA.
Lousada will report to WMG CEO Steve Cooper, and will divide his time between London and New York. He will continue to lead Warner Music UK alongside his new worldwide responsibilities.
Speaking about the appointment, Steve Cooper said: “With WMG breaking more superstars and leading the industry's transition to streaming, this is the perfect time to appoint a proven leader to turbocharge the success of our Recorded Music division. Max's wide-ranging achievements make him the natural choice. Since taking over the helm of Warner Music UK, he has continued to build his reputation for identifying and developing world-class artistic and executive talent. At the same time, he's transformed our UK operation, with an inspired vision of a truly progressive music company in the 21st century. He's the consummate music man, always exploring what we can do differently to benefit our artists, their fans, our people and our partners. I’m looking forward to working with Max as he leads our outstanding Recorded Music management team."
Len Blavatnik, Founder & Chairman of Access Industries, has also praised Lousada, stating: “Max has developed Warner Music UK into the premier home for British artists and a center of music innovation. WMG’s artists and our global Recorded Music operations will greatly benefit from his creative thinking and artist development expertise.”
Speaking on his promotion, Max Lousada commented: “I came to Warner because it’s always been such a fantastic melting pot of independent spirits uniting to champion artists that change culture and make music that matters. Fourteen years later, that ethos is as strong as ever, so I’m delighted to have the opportunity to build on those foundations with my extremely gifted partners around the world. Together, we’ll continue to create an environment where talent has the support and the freedom to flourish, where we empower our artists and our people to be true pioneers, and where we inspire audiences to be as excited about music as we are. I would like to thank Len and Steve for their tremendous support.”
During his three years as CEO of Warner Music UK, Lousada and his team have consistently grown market share, broken chart records, and released music that has achieved global success. Recent highlights include Ed Sheeran, who has smashed records around the world with the release of ÷ (Divide); Coldplay, who were named the biggest band in the world by the IFPI following the release of A Head Full of Dreams; and Clean Bandit, whose single Rockabye was at No.1 for nine weeks.
Some of the artists Lousada has worked with have also joined the industry in praising his new appointment.
Speaking about Lousada’s promotion, Ed Sheeran said: “It was obvious from when I first met him that Max had an amazing music brain, his passion and knowledge is second to none and he has been responsible for so many artists’ success stories. I am so happy for him that this is being recognised with this new role.”
Coldplay added: “Max is the perfect package: a man of honour and principle with a brilliant mind and a deep love of music.”
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