Simon Robson is the President, International of the New York, NY-headquartered Warner Music Group.
He has worked with WMG in various roles since 1998.
WMG credits Robson with leading the company’s transition to a digital-focused business model in Asia.
Simon Robson: Career History
Simon Robson started his career at the accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers). He would ultimately become a Supervisor at the firm, making him responsible for all accounting operations within his division. Importantly, Robson’s duties included aiding external auditors during annual audits. He remained with Coopers & Lybrand from 1993 to 1998.
Robson then joined Time Warner in 1997 as an Internal Audit Manager. Similar to his duties at Coopers & Lybrand, Robson would oversee audits within the Time Warner umbrella and was responsible for the auditing operations of his division. He only remained in this position for one year.
Staying in the Time Warner family, Robson became the Director of Finance, Asia Pacific for Warner Music Group in 1998. Four years later, he was promoted to Executive Consultant (CFO/COO role), WM Japan. He stayed with Warner’s Japanese business until he was promoted to Vice President of Finance & Operations, Europe in 2004.
As VP of Finance & Operations for WMG Europe, Robson directed and managed the company’s day-to-day functioning and oversaw their financial teams.
In 2007, Robson was promoted once again, now to CFO & COO of Warner Music UK. He directed the total financial operation of WMUK while also ensuring that the company’s operation was efficient. Importantly, Robson was closely involved with the integration of the Parlophone Label Group London, which WMG acquired in 2013. He maintained his CFO & COO role at WMUK for seven years.
In 2015, Robson was appointed as President, Asia. Returning to the Asian region, Robson expanded WMG’s presence in China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam. He notably headed WMG’s digital-focused pivot in Asia, predicting the continued diminishing value of physical music products.
Aside from his digital-first attitude, Robson led the opening of new Asian labels Spinnin’ Asia and +809. He worked alongside such Asian artists as Jam Hsiao and JJ Lin, helping to increase their international reach. Robson also played a crucial role in bringing international artists music and influence to Asia.
WMG recognizes Robson for recruiting a new suite of senior executives in Asia, many of whom came from outside the music world. His thought process for the unconventional hires revolved around introducing new, unique ideas that only outsiders could bring.
In 2021, Robson was appointed as President, International for WMG, giving him responsibilities for all WMG operations outside of the US and UK. Robson is now based in London and reports to Max Lousada, WMG’s Global CEO of Recorded Music. Robson remains in his presiding role at WMG.Music Business Worldwide