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Warner Music Group Executive VP Kevin Liles steps down from the label and subsidiary 300 Elektra Entertainment

BBG News

As an ardent fan of the dynamic world of music and its illustrious personalities, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia reading about Kevin Liles’ departure from Warner Music Group. A man who rose from the humble beginnings of spinning records as a DJ to becoming a towering figure in the industry, his journey is nothing short of inspiring.

On Tuesday, Kevin Liles, a high-ranking official at Warner Music Group, shared that he would be departing from the multinational music corporation.

The 56-year-old executive announced his news in an internal memo that he later shared on X (formerly Twitter).

Originally a DJ, Liles climbed up the ranks in the music world, and recently declared his departure from Warner’s affiliated record company, 300 Elektra Entertainment.

He functioned as both the chairperson and chief executive officer for a record label that stemmed from 300 Entertainment, an enterprise he established alongside Lyor Cohen, Roger Gold, and Todd Moscowitz in 2012.

Despite Liles mentioning his immediate objectives after retiring, such as backing Kamala Harris as the first African-American female president, and aiding Democratic candidates in the House and Senate, he did not provide any additional rationale for his decision to step down.

Liles leaving coincides with a significant reshuffling within Warner Music Group’s top management.

Previously, it had been made known that Max Lousada, the head of recorded music at Warner, and Julie Greenwald, Chairperson of Atlantic Recording Group (a significant subordinate of Warner Music Group), were planning to step down from their respective positions.

According to a memo from Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl, obtained by Variety, it appears that Liles’ position at 300 Elektra Entertainment is currently vacant.

Instead, the present leadership of 300 executives, specifically Rayna Bass and Selim Bouab, will now manage operations. However, it’s important to note that they will answer directly to Kyncl.

According to Liles’ memo, he will remain involved in the transition despite his intention to step down by the end of September. However, he plans to function as a consultant for Warner Music Group and 300 Elektra Entertainment until the end of the year.

In a recent memo, Kyncl mentioned that Elliot Grainge, the founder of 10K Projects who got married to Sofia Richie last year, is set to succeed Atlantic’s outgoing CEO, Greenwald. Importantly, Grainge will now report directly to Kyncl in his new role.

In the year 2022, Liles found himself within the sphere of influence of Warner Music Group, following the corporation’s acquisition of 300 Entertainment at a price tag of $400 million.

Previously standing solo, the record label successfully drew in a notable array of chart-topping artists such as the controversial rap artist Young Thug, Megan Thee Stallion, Mary J. Blige, Metro Boomin, Fetty Wap, and many more.

In the past, Gunna and Migos have been represented by other entities, whereas Megan Thee Stallion currently holds a separate contract with Warner.

In the memo he penned, Liles presented his replacements by stating, ‘Since we are dedicated stewards of our culture, we understand that nurturing and strengthening the upcoming generation of leaders is a duty. And at the appropriate moment, we will hand over the leadership mantle.’

According to Kyncl’s memo, the head of Warner appreciated Liles for his ‘upbeat spirit’ and referred to him as an influential leader who has excelled in various capacities – artist manager, record label founder, entrepreneur, and executive. Notably, Liles began his career as a DJ and songwriter.

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2024-09-18 04:22

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