Gaba Named Atlantic Co-Pres., Black Music
• Lanre Gaba has been promoted to Co-President, Black Music for Atlantic Records. Gaba, who celebrates her 20th anniversary with the label this year, was most recently Atlantic’s General Manager/Executive Vice President of Black Music A&R. In her newly elevated post, Gaba will work alongside Co-President, Black Music Mike Kyser. Based at Atlantic’ss New York headquarters, she reports jointly to Atlantic Chairman & CEO Craig Kallman and Chairman & COO Julie Greenwald.
In a statement, Kallman and Greenwald said, “Lanre’s growth over the past two decades has been a wonderful thing to witness. She’s evolved into one of the most admired and accomplished execs in our business, driven by a real fan’s passion, deep knowledge, and relentless work ethic. Our artists and our team love her for her devotion, creativity, and experience. The combination of Lanre and Kyser will make a brilliant leadership duo for our Black Music department, as we continue to provide our artists unparalleled dedication and resources to launch and build long-term careers. We congratulate Lanre on this richly deserved new post.”
Kyser remarked, “Lanre’s knowledge and experience spans nearly every area of our business, from A&R to marketing to finance. She’s become one of the most versatile and impressive players in the business, while playing a key role in the evolution of our Black Music department. I’m very happy to welcome her as my partner as we strive to raise the level of services and expand the breadth of support we offer our incredible artists. I know we’ll be doing great things together.”
Gaba said, “I’ve had an amazing journey at Atlantic. To be given the opportunities I’ve had at every step of the way, and to have been mentored by Craig and Julie has been an extraordinary experience. Atlantic was built on Black Music and a continued legacy of artist development. We have the most exceptional artists on our roster, whose music moves the culture. Our Black Music team is unmatched in the industry for our reputation in breaking new artists. I’m so excited to work with Kyser to continue to build the best home for our talent to realize their visions and for their music to reach fans across the globe.”
Gaba joined Atlantic in 2002 in the A&R Administration department, advancing from Manager to Vice President. In 2015, she was appointed Head of Urban A&R Operations, and she became GM/SVP of Urban A&R in 2018. In January 2021, Gaba was upped to EVP of Black Music A&R. Prior to Atlantic, Gaba worked at EMI Music Publishing and Ruffhouse Music Publishing.
