Warner Music Turkey has launched to build global careers of domestic artists, as well as a stronger presence for international repertoire in the country.
Warner Music and Dogan Music are expanding their partnership with the new deal, which will see them build a domestic roster together.
Samsun Demir, CEO, Dogan Music Group, said: “We’re very pleased to announce our partnership with Warner Music in Turkey. We believe this relationship will have a sustainable impact on Turkey’s music industry and will be a big step in achieving a greater worldwide presence for Turkish artists who will explore creative opportunities without limits and contribute to our partnership in years to come. We’re also very excited and confident that, through the contributions of Warner’s global network and Dogan’s strong presence in Turkey, we will continue to deliver great success for our artists together.”
Alfonso Perez-Soto, Warner Music’s EVP, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, added: “We’re hugely excited to step-up our presence in Turkey and partner with Dogan on artist campaigns that’ll have an impact here and around the world. This is a historic moment for Warner Music - a real return to the country of Ahmet Ertegün, the legendary founder of Atlantic Records.”
Gülce Özyesilpinar (pictured) has been named as general manager of Warner Music Turkey. She will report to Alfonso Perez-Soto.
Özyesilpinar said: “I’m so proud to be the first leader of Warner Music Turkey. I look forward to working with our friends at Dogan to turbocharge our global support for our joint roster. And I also can’t wait to increase our promo support both creatively and strategically for Warner’s international stars in Turkey. Every day, we engage with the most passionate music fans in Turkey and I’m very excited to connect them even more with our amazing artists and brilliant catalogue. We’re here to create, share, support and inspire.”
Özyesilpinar began her music industry career working for independent label Pasaj Müzik as a production assistant. She later joined Sony Music’s Istanbul office as digital marketing manager in 2014. Three years later she founded Witch Brew Works, which manages all of Warner Music’s marketing operations and accounts in Turkey.
Turkey is a fast-growing emerging market, with more than two million people paying to use a music streaming service. Streaming accounts for around 60% per cent of industry revenues in Turkey, according to figures from the IFPI. The market increased in value by almost 15% last year to more than $42 million (£32m).
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