Warner Music Group names Max Lousada CEO, Recorded Music

Widely respected music innovator and artist champion Max Lousada has been promoted to CEO, Recorded Music at Warner Music Group (WMG).

Lousada will oversee all of WMG’s global Recorded Music operations, effective October 1, including Atlantic, Warner Bros., Parlophone, Warner Music Nashville, Global Catalog/Rhino and Warner Classics, as well as WMG’s international Recorded Music affiliates and WMG’s Artist & Label Services divisions, WEA and ADA.

Warner Music Group CEO Steve Cooper spoke highly of Lousada and believes the music veteran is an ideal candidate for the role, after being involved in Warner for over 20 years.

“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. Max’s wide-ranging achievements make him the natural choice.

“…He’s transformed our UK operation, with an inspired vision of a truly progressive music company in the 21st century. He’s the consummate music man, always exploring what we can do differently to benefit our artists, their fans, our people and our partners. I’m looking forward to working with Max as he leads our outstanding Recorded Music management team.”

Lousada has been instrumental in unearthing a wide range of talent. He’s responsible for the success stories of many popular artists on WMG’s roster including Coldplay, Clean Bandit, and megastar Ed Sheeran.

Over his three years as CEO of Warner Music UK, Lousada and his team consistently boosted market share, broke chart records, and released music that has achieved global acclaim. Recently, Lousada helped orchestrate the release of Sheeran’s ÷ (Divide), the album that continues to smash charts, streaming and sales records.

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. 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. I would like to thank Len and Steve for their tremendous support.”

Lousada will share his time between London and New York, and will continue to lead Warner Music UK alongside his new responsibilities.