The Doctor Is In At WMG
• Recognized data science expert, statistician, and author Dr. Kobi Abayomi has joined Warner Music Group (WMG) as SVP, Data Science & Analytics. In this newly created role, he will lead analytics globally across WMG, driving valuable business insights through which the company can measure and maximize success for its artists and songwriters. Dr. Abayomi joins WMG from WarnerMedia, where he directed monetization for the company’s varied broadcast media inventory. Prior to that, he held posts at Barnes & Noble Education and Dun & Bradstreet, and served as a professor at Georgia Tech, Binghamton University, and the University of Cuenca. His business work has focused on audience behavior, activation, and segmentation; while his research work was on environmental sustainability, statistical dependency, and econometrics.
Dr. Abayomi will be based in New York and report to Oana Ruxandra, EVP, Business Development and Chief Digital Officer, who said, “Kobi is a brilliant author, scholar, and executive whose extensive resume speaks for itself. Working closely with our partners in Recorded Music, Corporate, and Music Publishing, he’ll play a critical role in helping us use data to forecast trends and aid our artists, songwriters, and ultimately music fans. There’s no one better suited to take on this post as we continue to emphasize the importance and value of making strategic, data-backed business decisions.”
Abayomi said, “I’m thrilled to be joining WMG, a company that so many iconic artists, and many of my favorite artists, call home. I’m impressed with everything Oana and the team have accomplished to build the business and I’m eager to get to work to help elevate the careers of the wonderful artists and songwriters on the WMG roster around the globe. From playing the pipe organ in church as a kid to DJing for my college radio and in NYC bars and clubs, I’ve been an avid consumer of music for a long time; I’m now keen to marry my love and enthusiasm for music with my professional training and experience in this great role at WMG.”
