Simon Robson has been named President, International, Recorded Music at Warner Music Group, taking up a central leadership role at the company.
Overseeing WMG’s recorded music operations outside the US and UK, he will be based in London and report to Max Lousada, Global CEO of Recorded Music, Warner Music Group.
In his new role, Robson will also work closely with Eric Wong, WMG’s President and Chief Marketing Officer, Recorded Music, and with Maria Weaver, the recently appointed President of WEA.
British exec Robson has been with Warner for over two decades, most recently served as President of Warner Music Asia since 2015, based in Hong Kong.
Under his leadership, WMG has expanded its presence in key markets such as China, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia, and opened a new affiliate in Vietnam. He spearheaded Warner’s digital-first strategy in Asia, while helping oversee the launch of new labels in the region, such as Spinnin’ Asia and Japanese urban label +809.
“I’ve learned so much from my time in Asia, I’m delighted to be taking on this exciting new role, and I’m hugely ambitious for our artists, our people, and our future.”
Simon Robson, Warner Music
Robson’s appointment as Warner’s President of International for Recorded Music comes in the same month that New York-based Stu Bergen, WMG’s current CEO of International, announced he is to step down from the role in January 2021.
Max Lousada said: “In most places on the planet, domestic music is increasingly important and influential. At the same time, we have the power to ignite worldwide careers out of almost any territory. Music travels faster and more fluidly than ever.
“Simon’s worldwide perspective and dynamic expertise will be invaluable as we invest in our global growth, accelerate our drive into emerging markets, and build a ‘one Warner’ platform for talent.
“He has an impressive track record of curating a roster of local artists with global potential, cultivating new audiences for our worldwide superstars, and fostering a culture of collaboration, openness, and creativity.”
“Simon’s worldwide perspective and dynamic expertise will be invaluable as we invest in our global growth, accelerate our drive into emerging markets, and build a ‘one Warner’ platform for talent.”
Max Lousada, Warner Music
Simon Robson commented: “Our business is more international than ever, with incredible music coming from all parts of the globe. I’m looking forward to helping build our local rosters, foster artistic pollination across territories, and develop long-term, global careers for our artists.
“The paths to international success are multiplying rapidly, and it’ll be fantastic to work with Warner’s talented leadership around the world, many of whom I’ve already had the pleasure of knowing over the years. I’ve learned so much from my time in Asia, I’m delighted to be taking on this exciting new role, and I’m hugely ambitious for our artists, our people, and our future.”
Over the past five years, Robson has worked closely with many of Asia’s leading superstars, such as Jam Hsiao, JJ Lin, Tia Ray, and TWICE.
He also helped Warner’s international artists connect with fans across the region, delivering success for the likes of WM Denmark’s Christopher in China and Atlantic UK’s Anne-Marie in Korea.
Robson began his career at Warner Music in 1998, starting out as Director of Finance for the company’s Asia Pacific region.
Following a stint at Warner Music Japan, in 2004 he became VP of Operations and Finance for Europe. Robson was appointed COO and CFO of Warner Music UK in 2007 and held that role for more than seven years before heading out to Hong Kong in 2015 to head up Warner Music Asia.
An announcement about his successor at Warner Music Asia will be made in due course.Music Business Worldwide
