Changes at WMG

Just in time for fall, Warner Music Group announced Sept. 16 it was turning over a new leaf with a few promotions and a restructuring of its international operations.

Top executives Lyor Cohen and Michael Fleisher were promoted to the posts of vice chairmen. In addition, Cohen, who was previously the head of Warner Music’s U.S. recorded music, was named chairman and CEO for recorded music in the Americas and the U.K.

Fleisher moved up from the position of Warner’s chief financial officer to vice chairman of strategy and operations.
Steven Macri, who was formerly WMG’s global controller, was promoted to CFO.

Warner Music International will be organized into three regions – Warner Music Americas and the U.K., Warner Music Asia Pacific, and Warner Music Continental Europe.

John Reid will continue to run Warner Music’s European operation and the Asia Pacific operations will continue to be led by Lachie Rutherford.

Cohen, Fleisher, Macri, Reid and Rutherford will all report to Warner Music Group Chairman and Chief Executive Edgar Bronfman Jr.

Warner Music International CEO Patrick Vien is reportedly leaving the company.

“This new structure recognizes the evolution of our business since WMG became a stand-alone music company in 2004, and is intended to drive our ability to seize new growth opportunities,” Bronfman said.

“Given our significant achievements over the past few years, we are positioned to transform the organization into a true global enterprise. We can no longer organize the company as simply ‘U.S.’ and ‘non-U.S.’ operations. A more unified structure will help our team to best focus their abilities for maximum benefit to artists, shareholders and employees.”