LOUSADA TO TAKE CEO MUSIC POST AT WMG
Warner Music Group has announced that, as previously rumored, British exec Max Lousada will step into the post of CEO, Recorded Music, effective at the beginning of the new fiscal year in October. He'll report to WMG CEO Stephen Cooper.
Lousada will retain his post as head of Warner Music U.K., dividing his time between London and New York.
“With WMG breaking more superstars and leading the industry's transition to streaming, this is the perfect time to appoint a proven leader to turbocharge the success of our Recorded Music division,” Cooper said. “Max's wide-ranging achievements make him the natural choice. Since taking over the helm of Warner Music U.K., he has continued to build his reputation for identifying and developing world-class artistic and executive talent.”
Artists Lousada has been associated with were quick to compliment him on the new job.
“It was obvious from when I first met him that Max had an amazing music brain, his passion and knowledge is second to none and he has been responsible for so many artists’ success stories,” Ed Sheeran said. I am so happy for him that this is being recognised with this new role.”
Coldplay noted, “Max is the perfect package: a man of honor and principle with a brilliant mind and a deep love of music.”
Lousada said: “I came to Warner because it’s always been such a fantastic melting pot of independent spirits uniting to champion artists that change culture and make music that matters.
"Max is the perfect package: a man of honor and principle
with a brilliant mind and a deep love of music."—Coldplay
"Fourteen years later, that ethos is as strong as ever, so I’m delighted to have the opportunity to build on those foundations with my extremely gifted partners around the world. Together, we’ll continue to create an environment where talent has the support and the freedom to flourish, where we empower our artists and our people to be true pioneers, and where we inspire audiences to be as excited about music as we are.”
Lousada has been CEO of Warner Music UK for three years, expanding Warner Music UK’s repertoire centers, playing an instrumental role in the integration of Parlophone into WMUK, reviving the East West Records imprint and starting dance music imprints. He also launched The Firepit, a video content division, innovation lab and state-of-the-art recording studio.
Lousada became Head of A&R at Atlantic UK in 2003, rising to President before being named Chairman in 2009. During his decade at Atlantic, he built a roster that includes Sheeran, Paolo Nutini, James Blunt, Lykke Li, Damien Rice and Birdy.
