Learn Simon Robson’s farewell notice to Warner Music workers, as he exits after almost 30 years
Simon Robson is leaving Warner Music Group after almost 30 years on the firm.
Robson, President, EMEA, Recorded Music, WMG, will step down in December.
“After almost 30 unimaginable years at WMG, I’ve determined that it’s the optimum time for me to discover new alternatives exterior the corporate,” Robson advised workers in a memo despatched on Friday (September 25), obtained by MBW.
His exit was confirmed the identical day as a part of a wider shake-up of WMG‘s recorded music management, which noticed Val Blavatnik be part of the chief crew, Alejandro Duque promoted to President, Warner Music Worldwide, and Elliot Grainge tackle the chairmanship of ADA within the US.
Robson joined Warner Music in 1998 as Director of Finance for the Asia Pacific area.
He went on to carry a strategic function for Warner Music Japan in Tokyo, and served as COO and CFO of Warner Music UK.
In January 2015, he took over as President of Warner Music Asia-Pacific, primarily based in Hong Kong.
He was named President, Worldwide, Recorded Music in November 2020.
WMG eliminated that function in an August 2024 restructure, after which Robson oversaw EMEA, with the UK and Eire folded into European operations.
Final yr, he adopted accountability for main the central features of Warner Music UK.
In his personal memo to workers, additionally obtained by MBW, WMG CEO Robert Kyncl stated: “Simon’s contribution to our international footprint, home expertise growth, and tradition of cross-border collaboration is immense.
“He’s been a trusted chief who constantly stays on high of each element, holds himself and others to the very best normal of excellence, and brings unimaginable dedication to our international operations. He leaves behind a unprecedented legacy, and we want him each success in his subsequent chapter.”
Learn Simon Robson’s notice to Warner Music workers in full beneath:
Hello everybody,
I wish to share some private information with you. After almost 30 unimaginable years at WMG, I’ve determined that it’s the optimum time for me to discover new alternatives exterior the corporate.
After I first joined, I couldn’t have envisioned the extraordinary journey forward. It’s been a privilege to work in such a dynamic business from the height of the CD period in 2000, by way of the difficulties of the digital transition, to a time of turbocharged progress as followers embraced our music on streaming providers.
I’ve had probably the most implausible alternatives at Warner Music, together with working in Tokyo for 2 years and main Asia out of Hong Kong for six years, in addition to visiting many components of the world to help our superb artists and proficient groups. So many robust challenges and too many unbelievable experiences to focus on any particularly.
It’s been an honour to assist nurture so many careers and provides sensible individuals their shot at being nice leaders. And, after all, it’s all the time a thrill to be among the many first to see a brand new artist and having that actually particular second of realisation that they’re going to grace the world’s greatest phases.
I go away a WM EMEA crew bustling with expertise, who’re going to attain nice issues sooner or later. We’ve so many thrilling initiatives within the pipeline, and I’m trying ahead to watching as WM EMEA hits new heights in every market and continues its evolution into the entire artist companion.
Over the following few months, my focus might be on guaranteeing a clean transition earlier than I take my subsequent steps. I sit up for connecting with lots of you earlier than my departure.
Thanks to each single one in every of you throughout our international workplaces in your partnership and friendship over the a long time. I’m so pleased with what we’ve constructed collectively, and I’ll be cheering you on.
Greatest,
SimonMusic Enterprise Worldwide
