New Era For Atlantic Music Group
• UPDATED: On the heels of a reported loss of nearly 200 employees, Atlantic Music Group (AMG), part of Warner Music Group unveiled its new leadership team and structure. These changes will empower dedicated A&R and Marketing teams at Atlantic Records, 300 Entertainment, and 10K Projects. The new structure formally begins October 1, when Elliot Grainge assumes the role of CEO of Atlantic Music Group, as Julie Greenwald passes the torch after two decades.
Grainge said, “Atlantic Music Group is home to the most extraordinary artists and executives in the world. This great label has moved through a meaningful transition, and emerged with a world-class team, made up of ambitious innovators and veteran visionaries. We have a plan to build on the extraordinary achievements of the last twenty years, honor the independent DNA of our labels, and collaborate with artists to pioneer a future filled with opportunity. To all our artists, managers, and partners, we are committed to a single principle — maximum impact for original artists. We’re looking forward to doing big, bold, brave things together.”
Robert Kyncl, WMG CEO, added, “AMG will be lean, agile, fiercely creative, and deeply passionate about artists and their fans. We’re opening an exciting new chapter in the story of an iconic label. Elliot’s thoughtfully chosen a team that combines a wealth of experience, a diversity of expertise, and a commitment to excellence.”
Atlantic Records, 300 Entertainment, and 10K Projects will all be helmed by forward-thinking leaders. 10K will operate within Atlantic Music Group as a standalone venture controlled by WMG. The Elektra, Fueled By Ramen, and Roadrunner imprints will continue under the AMG banner.
• Atlantic Records: Lanre Gaba is promoted to President of Hip-Hop, R&B, and Global Music. Lu Mota is EVP, Head of A&R, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Global Music and Marsha St. Hubert is EVP, Head of Marketing, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Global Music. Kevin Weaver is President, West Coast. In addition, Brandon Davis &Jeff Levin are EVPs and Co-Heads of A&R, Pop & Rock. Marisa Aron is promoted to EVP, Head of Marketing, Pop & Rock.
• 300 Entertainment: Rayna Bass & Selim Bouab remain Co-Presidents.
• 10K Projects: Nicholas Ziangas and Molly McLachlan are promoted to Co-Presidents.
Atlantic Music Group will combine the strengths of key functions at Atlantic, 300, and Elektra, to create one central set of artist development services. These functions at the group level include Creative, Legal & Business Affairs, Promotion, Press & Media Strategy, Digital Marketing & Analytics, Sales & Streaming, A&R Research, A&R Administration, and Marketing Operations.
• Atlantic Music Group: Craig Kallman is elevated to Chief Music Officer, expanding his oversight to bring his wealth of expertise to artists and projects across the group, while enabling him to mentor the next generation of executives. Zach Friedman and Tony Talamo are promoted to Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, respectively. Friedman and Talamo joined 10K Projects in 2018 and their company Homemade Projects was acquired in 2022. Erica Bellarosa is promoted to General Counsel, heading legal & business affairs efforts across the entire group. Dave Rocco is appointed President of Creative, with responsibilities spanning creative strategy, video, artwork, advertising, and more. He most recently served as Chief Creative Officer at Republic Records and held the title of Global Head of Artist Marketing and Label Relations at Spotify.
More appointments regarding department heads will be made over the coming weeks. Gregg Nadel has been appointed to a new role within WMG’s Recorded Music division, TBA soon. [Grainge photo credit: Logan Mock]
• On a related note, RAMP has confirmed the names of several Atlantic regional reps who were let go during this massive round of restructuring: Atlanta-based Johnny “Promo” Coscia (17 years) — JohnJosephCoscia@gmail.com; Chicago-based Krista McDevitt (9 years) — Ksmcdevitt@gmail.com; Charlotte-based Lindsey Martin (5 years). Prior to joining Atlantic in late 2019, Martin was MD/evenings at Audacy Alternative KVIL (ALT 103.7)/Dallas, and she previously served as Director of Promotions for Entercom Sacramento. She can be reached at lindseymartin91@icloud.com.
Also available: New York-based Randy Raize, Sr. Director of Rhythm Promotion + National Pop/Rhythm Mix Show, an 11-year Atlantic vet. Contact him at djraize@gmail.com; and Jace Rodrigues, Ticketing Coordinator in the now shuttered Touring & Artist Development department, can be reached at jacerodr@gmail.com.
If you or a colleague has been similarly affected by these significant cuts and would like your information shared with future employers, please email Kevin@RAMP247.com.
