Max Lousada is making his mark in his first week as Warner Music Group CEO, recorded music. As well as joining the board, he has now lured key execs from both rival majors to run Warner Bros Records.
Aaron Bay-Schuck, Interscope Geffen A&M (IGA) president, A&R, has been appointed co-chairman & CEO of Warner Bros Records. Tom Corson, RCA Music Group president & COO since 2011, has been named co-chairman and chief operating officer of WBR. Both will report to Lousada.
The duo will work as a partnership, with Corson running the label’s operations and Bay-Schuck leading WBR’s creative direction. Start dates for Corson and Bay-Schuck will be confirmed at a later time.
Corson has been at RCA Music Group since 2000 and, having overseen operations for J, Arista and RCA, he’s worked with artists including Alicia Keys, A$AP Rocky, Bleachers, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Foo Fighters, G-Eazy, Justin Timberlake, Khalid, Kings of Leon, Pink, Miley Cyrus and Shakira.
Overseeing A&R and creative development at IGA, Bay-Schuck works with Gwen Stefani, Imagine Dragons, Lady Gaga, Lana Del Ray, Maroon 5, One Republic, Selena Gomez and Skylar Grey.
Max Lousada said: “At WMG, we’re building a creative and entrepreneurial environment where artists can change culture and make music that matters. Tom and Aaron don’t just share our ambition; they both have it in their DNA. That’s why they’ll be such an inspiring duo at WBR, which is always strongest when it’s at its most daring and unexpected. At the cutting edge of a new generation of leaders, Aaron has impeccable taste and a rare ability to help distinctive artists grow into global superstars. Equally, Tom has a super-driven, imaginative approach to championing talent and mentoring executives, as well as a wealth of experience at both major and indie labels. They’re a dynamic combination that will bring in a fresh, new era at one of the greatest record labels of all time.”
Current WBR chairman & CEO Cameron Strang will step down at the end of 2017.
Lousada added: “Cameron has guided WBR through a period of unprecedented change and has added to the label’s remarkable musical legacy. He will leave with our gratitude and utmost respect.”
Aaron Bay-Schuck said: "I must first and foremost say thank you to the artists who have trusted me, to the songwriters and producers who have delivered time and time again, to the publishers who have sent me their best songs, and to the managers and lawyers who have made me your first call. You all are the reason I am in this position. I am unbelievably excited to lead Warner Bros Records, in partnership with the one and only Tom Corson, into its rightful place as the most vibrant, diverse, forward-thinking, and artist-friendly music company on the planet. Lastly, I’d like to thank Max for his vision, trust, and for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity. "
Tom Corson added: “I've long been in awe of the extraordinary lineage of artists and executives that are part of the Warner Bros. story, and I'm excited to join this legendary label at a time when our business is more dynamic than ever, creatively and commercially. Aaron is a world-class talent, and our partnership will be based on a joint commitment to build lasting careers for extraordinary artists that shape the popular zeitgeist. I’m looking forward to heading back to the West Coast and working with Max and Aaron to bring WBR, its artists and its team to new heights. Max has an inspirational vision and I want to thank him for opening the door to this new journey.”
Music Week predicts what Lousada’s WMG will be like in the months ahead here and you can read his previous Big Interview here.
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