The executive who created Warner’s in-house streaming playlist brand Topsify is leaving WMG three years after the major acquired his UK-based startup.
Kieron Donoghue’s Playlists.net was bought by Warner’s distribution and services arm WEA in 2014 for an undisclosed fee.
Donoghue has since held the role of Vice President, Global Playlists Strategy & Curation, Warner Music.
Two years after buying Playlists.net, Warner added high-level streaming expertise to its ranks by acquiring Stockholm-based company X5 – who the major said at the time would “provide new opportunities for WMG’s deep catalog and repertoire around the world”.
Warner’s global streaming playlisting activities are run by a team at WEA – which operates across New York, London and LA – in conjunction with its frontline labels around the world.
“I’m also especially proud of the innovation around the Artists To Watch Records label that has generated over 50 million Spotify streams with zero budget.”
Kieron Donoghue
Earlier this year, Kieron Donoghue launched a new streaming-focused label at Warner Music, called Artists To Watch.
The imprint, which falls under the jurisdiction of Warner Bros UK, now faces an uncertain future.
Writing on social media today, Donoghue said: “Establishing Topsify as Warner’s playlist brand globally across all platforms and establishing a streaming strategy for a major record company has been challenging at times but immensely rewarding.
“I’m also especially proud of the innovation around the Artists To Watch Records label that has generated over 50 million Spotify streams with zero budget.
“My next step will be to launch my own venture again, 3 years in a corporate was great but I have that entrepreneurial itch to scratch.”Music Business Worldwide
