Permal Joins Warner Music As SVP, A&R

• Jean-Sebastien “Seb” Permal has been named as SVP of A&R, EMEA and Central Europe for Warner Music. In this newly-created role, Permal will lead all domestic frontline activity across the recently expanded WM Central Europe and its domestic labels across Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Permal joins Warner Music from Sony Music, where he most recently served as VP of A&R for Continental Europe and Africa. He now reports to both Simon Robson, President, Warner Music EMEA, and Niels Walboomers, President, Warner Music Central Europe.

Robson remarked, “Seb is a world-class A&R executive who pairs an intuitive ear for talent with a sophisticated grasp of the cultural nuances shaping today’s global market. His appointment underscores our commitment to the vibrant talent across EMEA and ensures our artists are supported by the industry’s best. With Seb’s leadership, we’re perfectly positioned to amplify our artists’ reach and connect them with audiences on a truly global scale.”

Walboomers added, “I have long admired Seb’s creative vision and his data-driven, yet artist-centric, approach to A&R. He has a proven track record of nurturing artists from the ground up and helping them maintain their authentic voice while achieving big success. Having him join our team in Berlin is a major win for Central Europe and the wider EMEA region.”

Permal said, “I joined Warner Music because of its ambition not just to discover talent, but to redefine how artists break at home, across the region, and globally. I’m excited to work with our teams to build the partnerships and infrastructure that turn local sound into global culture.”