Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the publishing arm of Warner Music Group, has announced two new appointments in its China division, with Lisa Li tapped to be the new Managing Director, while Mar Ma has been named Director, A&R, China for WCM.
Li will be based in Beijing, and will report to Arica Ng, who was named WCM’s President, Asia Pacific, in 2023. Li will spearhead WCM’s operations in China.
In a statement issued on Wednesday (March 6), the company said Li will also be responsible for “developing strategic plans and collaborating with teams across Asia to strengthen the company’s position as one of the region’s leading music publishing companies.”
Ma will report to Li, and will “spearhead the development and execution of A&R and creative strategies that align with the company’s vision and objectives,” WCM said.
Li has two decades of experience in media entertainment, having worked in business development, strategic partnerships and brand management.
Among her previous positions was a stint as Country Head for Turner and HBO China at WarnerMedia, where she was responsible for growing and monetizing the HBO and Cartoon Network brands in the country.
Later, she served as Head of Business Development at Warner Bros. Discovery’s Chinese operations. She has also held senior positions at the China offices of Disney Consumer Products, Disney Interactive and Octagon.
Ma has nearly a decade of experience in the music industry, including working in A&R in Warner Music China, as well as Universal Music Publishing China.
“I am committed to championing the voices of our songwriters and artists, and I look forward to creating exceptional opportunities for them in this dynamic industry.”
Lisa Li, Warner Chappell Music China
“I’m incredibly excited to lead the talented team at Warner Chappell and embark on this new chapter. The music landscape in China is thriving, so this is the perfect time to take on this challenge,” Li said in a statement.
“Together, we will continue to build upon our success, nurture emerging talent, and forge strategic partnerships that will shape the future of music in our market. I am committed to championing the voices of our songwriters and artists, and I look forward to creating exceptional opportunities for them in this dynamic industry.”
Ng added that WCM China is “delighted to have Lisa on board. With her extensive experience and deep understanding of the Chinese market, we’re confident that she’ll drive our business forward and lead our brilliant team to new heights. Lisa’s strategic mindset, leadership skills, and passion for the entertainment industry make her the ideal person to capitalize on the tremendous growth opportunities in China.”
With China among the faster-growing music markets in the world, the world’s major music publishers have been working to expand their presence in the country.
In 2020, Warner Chappell opened its second mainland China office in Shanghai. A year later, Universal Music Publishing expanded its own operations with a Shanghai office.Music Business Worldwide
