WMG TO LAY OFF 4% OF STAFF

Warner Music Group will be cutting its work force by 4%—that’s about 270 people—and reducing discretionary spending, WMG CEO Robert Kyncl informed the staff on Wednesday (3/29). Most of the cuts will be made today and Thursday (3/30).

The company is also reallocating resources toward new tech initiatives and “new skills for artist and songwriter development.” Insiders say the company will be reinvesting the money saved from the cuts into other jobs. The only changes in leadership are in the U.K.

In a memo to staff, Kyncl wrote: “In my discussions with our leaders across the company, many of them came to the same conclusion—that to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of us, we need to make some hard choices.”

Here is the memo:

Hi everyone, 

As I mentioned at our first All-Hands meeting last month, I’m committed to direct and honest communication with all of you. The music business is filled with new possibilities: More fans are engaging with artists and songs than ever, our reach is enormous and new business models are constantly emerging. WMG is positioning itself for a new phase of growth at the intersection of creativity and technology.  

In my discussions with our leaders across the company, many of them came to the same conclusion—that to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of us, we need to make some hard choices in order to evolve. Consistent with this direction, we've made the tough decision to reduce our global team by approximately 270 people, or about 4%. At the same time, we’re reallocating resources towards new skills for artist and songwriter development and new tech initiatives. We’re also reducing discretionary spending and open positions to provide us with additional flexibility for our future.

I want to be clear that this is not a blanket cost-cutting exercise. Every decision has been made thoughtfully by our operators around the world, who considered the specific needs, skills and priorities of each label, division and territory to set us up for long-term success. The leader of your division will either be holding a town hall or sending an email to explain more about this path forward.  

I’m also acutely aware of how unsettling this can be. Having to say goodbye to talented colleagues is always difficult. For those of you who will be leaving WMG, please know that we’re deeply grateful for your hard work, dedication and all you’ve contributed to this company. In all territories, except where you are explicitly told there will be a review or consultation period, anyone affected will hear from their leaders, supervisors or People team reps within 24 hours. I know this transition will be tough, but we’re committed to supporting you during this process. 

In times of great disruption in our world and society, artists and songwriters who have something original to say, who rise to the occasion, will resonate the loudest. Equally, the rapid changes in our economy and ecosystem create the conditions and opportunities for innovation and breakthroughs. I learned when I joined WMG that this is a gritty, incredibly resourceful and highly impactful team that I want by my side every day of the week. We deliver for our artists, songwriters and labels with laser focus, inventiveness and care. And now, more than ever, we need to double down on that.  

I’ll have more to say about all of this at our next All-Hands meeting, including more details on our plan.  

Let’s support each other with empathy and integrity as we work through this process.  

Thank you, 

Robert