June Gao has been promoted to the new role of General Manager, Warner Chappell Music China.
In her new position, she will continue to be based in Beijing and report to Monica Lee, President, Warner Chappell Music Asia Pacific.
Gao will oversee all Warner Chappell Music’s business in China, building up a team that will help the company’s local and international songwriters take advantage of the huge opportunities that are opening up in the country as its digital music market continues its surge in growth.
Her promotion comes at a time when the publisher is accelerating the growth of its domestic roster in Greater China, signing Cantopop and Mandopop writers, as well as talent from the emerging hip-hop scene.
Warner Chappell states that it is also seeing increased use of its international writers’ music in the country, particularly on hugely popular TV music shows.
The company has moved to accelerate this growth in activity by opening a second office in Shanghai, a key hub for the country’s advertising, brand and entertainment businesses.
Gao joined Warner Chappell Music China in 2013, after working at Beijing-based Jamewish Brand Consulting. She initially served as a Licensing Executive, before being promoted to the role of General Manager, Licensing & Sync in 2019. She leads a strong team and is in charge of all significant and complex sync licensing deals in the region.
In her time at Warner Chappell, Gao has successfully developed the publisher’s relationships with local advertising agencies and the fast-growing movie sector.
She has also worked with the leading producers of hugely popular TV music and variety shows, such as I Am A Singer and The Voice of China, ensuring that Warner Chappell Music’s catalogue of songs are frequently performed in their competitions.
“We’re in a new golden age of songwriting in China.”
June Gao
June Gao said: “We’re in a new golden age of songwriting in China. The explosion of different music scenes over the last few years has been amazing, and now we’re also seeing the market truly appreciate and encourage the value of music.
“We’re keen to act as strategic partners who can share our knowledge and experience to the benefit of both our writers and our clients to deliver creative and commercial alchemy.”
“June is a terrific exec who combines an instinctive empathy with our songwriters and a deep understanding of the marketplace.”
Monica Lee
Monica Lee added: “June is a terrific exec who combines an instinctive empathy with our songwriters and a deep understanding of the marketplace.
“She’s helped grow our presence in mainland China, particularly with our broadcast clients, and ensured that Chappell is seen as the most innovative player in the market. I know that she’ll seize the opportunities this fast-expanding market offers our writers in the years ahead.”Music Business Worldwide
