WBR Names Petty EVP/Business & Legal

• Warner Bros. Records (WBR) has appointed Julian Petty as Executive Vice President and Head of Business & Legal Affairs. Named a “Top Music Lawyer” by Billboard in 2017 and 2018, Petty is a widely respected industry leader recognized for his talents as a proactive dealmaker.

Based in Los Angeles, Petty will report to Warner Bros. Records Co-Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck and Co-Chairman & COO Tom Corson, who issued a joint statement, which read, “As we’re developing a culturally connected, globally impactful team, Julian will play a vital leadership role. He’ll help us cultivate and execute innovative deals and strategies that attract and keep extraordinary talent, while staying on the leading edge of the music business where the opportunities are endless. Julian brings extensive experience with groundbreaking artists to his new position, combined with a sharp legal and business sense, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to our label.”

Petty comes to WBR from the international law firm Nixon Peabody LLP (NP), where he was Partner and Head of the Entertainment Practice Group. His clients included Childish Gambino, Vince Staples and Earl Sweatshirt as well as legacy acts A Tribe Called Quest, the Estate of Notorious B.I.G., and legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

“Ever since my first internship at Def Jam Records, I’ve had a passion for protecting the rights of the creative community,” said Petty. “If you know me, you know that the only way I would have given up private practice is to be part of a company that encourages artists to go after their dreams, and under Aaron’s and Tom’s leadership, Warner Bros. Records is undoubtedly that place. For me, this is a unique opportunity to continue helping artists, just from a different seat. At the end of the day, we’re all working together to help them succeed.”