Harlow Named Chairman/CEO of Warner Music UK
• Max Lousada, Warner Music Group’s CEO of Recorded Music, announced his successor as Chairman & CEO of Warner Music UK — Tony Harlow, current President of WEA, will assume the position in February 2020. Lousada had served as Chairman & CEO of WMUK since 2013, and had retained the position when he assumed his global role two years ago.
Lousada said, “Tony has a depth and diversity of experience that few can match. Ever since his days behind the counter at a Beggars Banquet record shop, he’s been a true artist champion with a total passion for music. And as an entrepreneurial leader, he has a progressive and ambitious vision for where the business needs to go next. He’’ll be a great mentor to the next generation of creatives and executives, building an environment where original talent is nurtured and challenged. This is obviously a job that’s very close to my heart, and I couldn’t be leaving it in better hands.”
Harlow joined WMG in 2010 as Managing Director for Australasia, where he grew a reputation for breaking talent early, including Ed Sheeranand Dua Lipa. Most recently, as President of WEA, the global artist and label services arm of WMG, he has helped transform operations and expand streaming-focused marketing, while also overseeing the addition of direct-to-consumer expertise from Songkick, EMP, and UPROXX.
Harlow noted, “The UK is a vital source for many of the world’s most influential artists, cultural trends and creative innovations. At the same time, it’s been leading the way in erasing the barriers of genre and geography for international talent. I’m very happy to be coming home to work with the extraordinary, record-breaking artists and team at WMUK. I’m so pleased I’ll get to continue working with my amazing colleagues at WEA in this new role, and I want to thank Max for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”
Harlow began his music industry career at EMI in the UK, rising quickly through the company’s international marketing ranks before moving to Australia to become Managing Director, EMI Music Australia in 1997. Returning to the UK in 2002, he was named CEO of Richard Branson‘s V2 label. Following V2’s acquisition by Universal Music Group (UMG) in 2007, Harlow held various roles at UMG, including heading the International Marketing team. [Photo credit: David Geffin]
