Elektra Records co-President Mike Easterlin has stepped down from his position at the Warner Music Group-owed label.
Easterlin will continue working with WMG as a consultant for its artist services division, WMX.
The move sees Gregg Nadel continue as sole President of Elektra, under the 300 Elektra Entertainment banner.
Easterlin revealed the news in a memo to staff on Friday (May 5), obtained by MBW, in which said that, “working alongside Gregg to re-launch and evolve Elektra over the past five years has been a truly special culmination of my nearly two decades at WMG”.
Easterlin originally joined Lava/Atlantic as SVP of Promotion in 2005 and went on to become President of Fueled By Ramen and Roadrunner in 2016.
He previously worked as National Director of Pop Promotion at Virgin Records and VP of Pop Promotion at Island Def Jam.
Easterlin has worked with artists including twenty one pilots, Tones and I, and Panic! At The Disco during his time at WMG.
“From doing promo at Lava/Atlantic to running Roadrunner and Fueled By Ramen to helping set Elektra on a new course, it’s been a fantastic journey.”
Mike Easterlin
Elsewhere in his note, Easterlin said: “I wanted to thank the amazing people who have been an important part of my career, especially our phenomenal team at Elektra Entertainment.
“You guys are the best in the business, in every sense. I’m so proud of the artist-focused company and the open, collaborative culture we’ve created together.”
Later, he added: “From doing promo at Lava/Atlantic to running Roadrunner and Fueled By Ramen to helping set Elektra on a new course, it’s been a fantastic journey.”
You can read his note to staff in full below:
Hi everyone,
As you already know, I’ve left Elektra as part of the recent changes at the company, but I’m happy to share that I’m not leaving the WMG family altogether and will be doing some consulting for WMX.
I wanted to thank the amazing people who have been an important part of my career, especially our phenomenal team at Elektra Entertainment. You guys are the best in the business, in every sense. I’m so proud of the artist-focused company and the open, collaborative culture we’ve created together. Working alongside Gregg to re-launch and evolve Elektra over the past five years has been a truly special culmination of my nearly two decades at WMG.
In 2005, Julie brought me over from IDJ, where we had worked together for six years, and I want to thank her for being an incredible mentor, booster, and friend for the past 24 years, along with my mentor and partner Craig. And of course, I’d like to thank Max for constantly supporting and championing me as a leader at Warner Music. From doing promo at Lava/Atlantic to running Roadrunner and Fueled By Ramen to helping set Elektra on a new course, it’s been a fantastic journey. So, lastly I have to thank the extraordinary artists who have changed my life with their music – twenty one pilots, Tones and I, Slipknot, Panic! At The Disco, All Time Low, Turnstile – I can’t possibly mention them all here, but helping them build careers and reach fans across the globe has been a true joy and privilege.
Over the past year, it’s been a pleasure to work closely with Gregg, Kevin, Rayna, and Selim as we brought together two indie-spirited labels and launched 3EE.
I wish them and everyone on the team, all the best for the future. You’re in good hands.Music Business Worldwide
