Warner Music Group Names Val Blavatnik Managing Director of North America and U.K. Amid Other Executive Moves

In a long-expected move, Warner Music Group has named Val Blavatnik Managing Director of North America, U.K. & Corporate Development amid several other top leadership moves. Blavatnik, 28, the son of Warner Music’s primary owner Len Blavatnik, will “unify and drive business and operational strategy across these markets while guiding the company’s investment strategy to support growth,” according to the announcement.

In other moves, Alejandro Duque is elevated to President, Warner Music International, adding the APAC and EMEA regions to his remit; Elliot Grainge is named Chairman of the independent distribution company ADA in the U.S. in addition to his current role as Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Music Group, and appoints longtime associate Zach Friedman to serve as Vice Chairman of ADA in addition to his COO role at AMG.

Aaron Bay-Schuck becomes the sole Chairman and CEO of Warner Records Group, following former co-chairman Tom Corson’s elevation to COO of Warner Music Group.

Guillermo Gonzalez is promoted to President, Warner Music EMEA after six years at Warner Music Iberia. Andrés Rothschild will take over as President of Warner Music Iberia.

At the same time, Simon Robson will step down in December after nearly 30 years with the company to pursue new opportunities. Robson has helped shape WMG’s operations in a wide range of markets, promoting new leaders, championing domestic repertoire, and encouraging greater international collaboration.

Val Blavatnik was named to WMG’s board in 2023, following stints at LionTree Investment, Eden Productions, and various roles at WMG.

Robert Kyncl, CEO of Warner Music Group, said: “To build upon our successful year in which we delivered on all three strategic priorities to grow market share, increase the value of music and increase our efficiency, these frontline executive changes enhance our best-in-class leadership team with diverse skill sets to execute on the next chapter of WMG’s growth. Elliot, Aaron, Alejandro and Guillermo are exceptional, dynamic and proven leaders who have transformed their domains, and elevating them allows us to further scale their success. I’m also excited to welcome Val to the executive team, where his operational and strategic focus will help us build our momentum across key markets.

Kyncl continued: “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Simon Robson for his dedicated service, operational excellence and trusted leadership while expanding WMG’s global footprint over his remarkable tenure, and wish him the very best in his next endeavors. ”