Easterlin Steps Down As Elektra Co-President
• Mike Easterlin has stepped down as co-President of Elektra Entertainment, but will continue to consult the company. Gregg Nadel becomes the sole President of Elektra, under the 300 Elektra Entertainment banner.
Easterlin announced his departure in a staff memo, obtained by Variety, which reads, in part, “As you already know, I’ve left Elektra as part of the recent changes at the company, but I’m happy to share that I’m not leaving the WMG family altogether and will be doing some consulting for WMX. I wanted to thank the amazing people who have been an important part of my career, especially our phenomenal team at Elektra Entertainment. You guys are the best in the business, in every sense. I’m so proud of the artist-focused company and the open, collaborative culture we’ve created together. Working alongside Gregg to re-launch and evolve Elektra over the past five years has been a truly special culmination of my nearly two decades at WMG.”
Easterlin began his promotion journey with Virgin Records in 1993, starting as a local rep and working his way up to Nat’l Director of Pop Promotion. Six years later Easterlin was named VP of Pop Promotion at Island Def Jam, and he joined the Warner Music family in 2005 as SVP of Promotion at Lava/Atlantic Records. He was later named GM of Fueled By Ramen and Roadrunner Records and subsequently elevated to President. Easterlin and Gregg Nadel were named co-Presidents of Elektra Music Group when it launched in October 2018. WMG acquired 300 Entertainment in December 2021, and in June 2022 announced the creation of 300 Elektra Entertainment — 3EE — combining the assets of 300 and Elektra.
In closing, Easterlin’s note said, “Lastly, I have to thank the extraordinary artists who have changed my life with their music — twenty one pilots, Tones and I, Slipknot, Panic! At The Disco, All Time Low, Turnstile — I can’t possibly mention them all here, but helping them build careers and reach fans across the globe has been a true joy and privilege.” He added, “Over the past year, it’s been a pleasure to work closely with Gregg, [300 co-Founder & Chairman/CEO] Kevin [Liles], and [300 co-Presidents] Rayna [Bass] and Selim [Bouab] as we brought together two indie-spirited labels and launched 3EE. I wish them and everyone on the team, all the best for the future. You’re in good hands.” [Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine]
