Simon Robson is leaving Warner Music Group after nearly 30 years at the company.
Robson, President, EMEA, Recorded Music, WMG, will step down in December.
“After nearly 30 incredible years at WMG, I’ve decided that it’s the optimal time for me to explore new opportunities outside the company,” Robson told staff in a memo sent on Friday (September 25), obtained by MBW.
His exit was confirmed the same day as part of a wider shake-up of WMG‘s recorded music leadership, which saw Val Blavatnik join the executive team, Alejandro Duque promoted to President, Warner Music International, and Elliot Grainge take on the chairmanship of ADA in the US.
Robson joined Warner Music in 1998 as Director of Finance for the Asia Pacific region.
He went on to hold a strategic role 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, based in Hong Kong.
He was named President, International, Recorded Music in November 2020.
WMG removed that role in an August 2024 restructure, after which Robson oversaw EMEA, with the UK and Ireland folded into European operations.
Last year, he adopted responsibility for leading the central functions of Warner Music UK.
In his own memo to staff, also obtained by MBW, WMG CEO Robert Kyncl said: “Simon’s contribution to our global footprint, domestic talent development, and culture of cross-border collaboration is immense.
“He’s been a trusted leader who consistently remains on top of every detail, holds himself and others to the highest standard of excellence, and brings incredible dedication to our global operations. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, and we wish him every success in his next chapter.”
Read Simon Robson’s note to Warner Music staff in full below:
Hi everyone,
I want to share some personal news with you. After nearly 30 incredible years at WMG, I’ve decided that it’s the optimal time for me to explore new opportunities outside the company.
When I first joined, I couldn’t have envisioned the extraordinary journey ahead. It’s been a privilege to work in such a dynamic industry from the peak of the CD era in 2000, through the difficulties of the digital transition, to a time of turbocharged growth as fans embraced our music on streaming services.
I’ve had the most fantastic opportunities at Warner Music, including working in Tokyo for two years and leading Asia out of Hong Kong for six years, as well as visiting many parts of the world to support our amazing artists and talented teams. So many tough challenges and too many unbelievable experiences to highlight any in particular.
It’s been an honour to help nurture so many careers and give brilliant people their shot at being great leaders. And, of course, it’s always a thrill to be among the first to see a new artist and having that truly special moment of realisation that they’re going to grace the world’s biggest stages.
I leave a WM EMEA team bustling with talent, who are going to achieve great things in the future. We’ve so many exciting initiatives in the pipeline, and I’m looking forward to watching as WM EMEA hits new heights in each market and continues its evolution into the complete artist partner.
Over the next few months, my focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition before I take my next steps. I look forward to connecting with many of you before my departure.
Thank you to every single one of you across our global offices for your partnership and friendship over the decades. I’m so proud of what we’ve built together, and I’ll be cheering you on.
Best,
SimonMusic Business Worldwide
Simon Robson, a long-serving executive at Warner Music Group (WMG), is set to depart the company after nearly three decades. As of December, he will leave his position as President of EMEA, Recorded Music, marking the end of a significant chapter in his career. Robson communicated his decision to staff in a memo dated September 25, 2023, indicating that he feels it is the right time to explore new opportunities outside of WMG.
His exit coincides with a broader restructuring within WMG’s recorded music leadership, which includes the addition of Val Blavatnik to the executive team, Alejandro Duque’s promotion to President of Warner Music International, and Elliot Grainge assuming the chairmanship of ADA in the United States.
Robson began his journey with Warner Music in 1998, starting as the Director of Finance for the Asia Pacific region. Over the years, he expanded his roles significantly, including a strategic position in Warner Music Japan while based in Tokyo, and subsequently serving as COO and CFO of Warner Music UK. In January 2015, he took on the role of President of Warner Music Asia-Pacific, operating from Hong Kong. By November 2020, he was named President, International, Recorded Music, a title that was later restructured in August 2024, leading him to oversee EMEA operations, which integrated the UK and Ireland into European management.
In his farewell memo, WMG CEO Robert Kyncl acknowledged Robson’s substantial contributions, particularly in enhancing the company’s global presence and fostering domestic talent development. Kyncl praised Robson as a trusted leader who maintained high standards of excellence and dedicated himself to WMG’s global operations. He highlighted Robson’s legacy as one of extraordinary impact within the company.
Robson reflected on his time at WMG in his own memo to the staff, expressing gratitude for the incredible journey that began in the peak CD era, navigating through the digital transition, and witnessing the growth of music consumption via streaming platforms. He emphasized the privilege of working in a dynamic industry and the joy of nurturing talent and helping artists realize their potential on the world stage.
As he prepares for his departure, Robson reassured the EMEA team of their talent and the exciting initiatives they have ahead. He expressed confidence that the team would continue to achieve great success and evolve as a complete partner for artists. Robson’s focus in the coming months will be on ensuring a smooth transition before his next career steps.
In closing, Robson expressed heartfelt thanks to his colleagues across WMG’s global offices, taking pride in what they have built together and pledging to cheer them on as they move forward. This departure marks a significant moment for both Robson and WMG, as they each look towards new opportunities and challenges in the evolving music industry landscape.
