Ernst Trapp is stepping down from his role as Chief Executive Officer of Warner Music Group‘s Germany-headquartered merchandise company EMP at the end of May to “pursue other projects”.
Jan Fischer, CFO and COO of EMP, will lead the company until a new CEO is appointed.
Trapp has led EMP since 2013, working with artists such as Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Nirvana, Panic! At the Disco and Twenty One Pilots, as well as major entertainment brands including Disney, Harry Potter, Marvel and Star Wars.
Trapp steered the company through its $180 million acquisition by Warner in 2018, after which it remained a standalone direct-to-fan division.
Under his leadership, EMP has developed a network of websites serving 18 countries, with a community of what WMG says is “millions” of customers, and a “fast-growing loyalty programme”.
In 2021 Trapp was appointed President Global E-Commerce, Retail & Licensing of Warner Music Group, responsible, among other things, for the commercial success of more than 200 online stores worldwide.
Before moving to EMP Merchandising as CEO in 2013, Trapp held top management positions in e-commerce for several years, including as Managing Director, Germany at Amazon´s video streaming service and Director, E-Commerce at ERGO Insurance.
He also sits on various advisory boards and has been on the board of BEVH (Federal Association of E-Commerce and Mail Order in Germany) since 2014.
“I’ve had an amazing time leading EMP through many changes over the last decade. We emerged from each challenge stronger than ever and the company has a bright future ahead of it.”
Ernst Trapp
Ernst Trapp said: “I’ve had an amazing time leading EMP through many changes over the last decade. We emerged from each challenge stronger than ever and the company has a bright future ahead of it.
“But now is the right time for me to move on and pursue new opportunities, knowing that the amazing team at EMP are in a good place.”
“I want to pay tribute to Ernst for his incredible leadership at EMP and the contribution he’s made more widely to WMX and Warner Music Group.”
Maria Weaver, WMX, Warner Music Group
Maria Weaver, President, WMX, Warner Music Group, added: “I want to pay tribute to Ernst for his incredible leadership at EMP and the contribution he’s made more widely to WMX and Warner Music Group.
“He’s always understood the key role merch can play in helping nurture the relationship between artists and fans. I’d like to wish him all the very best in his next adventures.”
Music Business Worldwide
