WMG UPS BERGEN

Warner Recorded Music President of International Stu Bergen has been promoted to the newly created post of CEO, International and Global Commercial Services for WMG.

In his new position, Bergen oversees WMG’s international Recorded Music operations outside the U.S. and U.K.; the company’s global marketing team; the artist and label services divisions WEA and ADA; and Warner Classics.

Bergen, who has been with WMG since 2006, is based at the company’s headquarters in New York and reports to WMG CEO Steve Cooper.

“Stu’s promotion recognizes his leadership in helping focus our global firepower on breaking artists and building careers,” Cooper said. “Drawing on his deep understanding of the worldwide marketplace, he has fostered a dynamic, innovative environment that is driving both unprecedented local success and outstanding global performance.”

Since 2012, Bergen has played a key role in expanding WMG globally. Instrumental in the integration of Parlophone Label Group into WMG, he has overseen strategic acquisitions such as Gold Typhoon in China, Polskie Nagrania in Poland, and Gala Records in Russia as well as the buy-out of Gallo Records’ share of a joint venture with Warner Music in South Africa.

“In the era when technology has removed musical barriers between nations and cultures, success can come from anywhere and translate everywhere,” Bergen said. “It is critical that we draw on the full worldwide strength of our organization to cultivate hit music and superstar artists, as well as generate groundbreaking business models and creative marketing strategies.”

Bergen joined WMG in 2006 as President of ILG (Independent Label Group), moving to EVP, Warner Bros Records in 2010 before being named Executive Vice President, International & Head of Global Marketing in 2012. Prior to WMG, Bergen held posts at several major record labels, including serving as EVP of Rock Music for Columbia Records, EVP of Island Records, and VP of Promotion for Epic Records. He began his music industry career in 1988 at TVT Records, following which he became Director of Promotion at Relativity Records.