Jon Platt To Succeed Cameron Strang As Warner/Chappell Chairman/CEO

Jon Platt

WARNER/CHAPPELL MUSIC has embarked on a phased leadership transition where Chairman/CEO CAMERON STRANG will initially transfer the CEO duties to Pres./NORTH AMERICA JON PLATT, effective NOV. STRANG will continue his role as Chairman/CEO of WARNER BROS. RECORDS (WBR), as well as continuing to serve as a member of the WARNER MUSIC GROUP CORP. Board of Directors.

PLATT will eventually inherit WARNER/CHAPPELL’s Chairman post in MAY 2016. In his new position, PLATT will lead the operations of WARNER/CHAPPELL around the world, including its offices in more than 40 countries.

“WARNER/CHAPPELL is an iconic music company with an incomparable roster of extraordinary songwriters, and I am thrilled to be leading us into our next exciting chapter," PLATT said. "Our mission is to develop, grow, reward and sustain a prosperous and healthy creative community — the community of songwriters who make it possible for music to have such a special place in all of our lives. My vision for WARNER/CHAPPELL is one of peerless commitment to the songwriter and unmatched advocacy for the value of music. I see us leading the industry in our service not only to our songwriters, but also to the partners and fans that help make their livelihoods possible.”

“I am honored that CAMERON recommended me to succeed him," PLATT continued. "He has set an extremely high bar, leading a remarkable transformation at WARNER/CHAPPELL. I will be forever grateful for his friendship, partnership and mentorship. I look forward to building on our achievements and making our company the finest home for songwriters everywhere.”

“I’m proud of all we've achieved in growing WARNER/CHAPPELL over the last five years, by providing impeccable service to songwriters, embracing new technology, fostering an entrepreneurial culture and demonstrating industry leadership," STRANG said. "As a result, we’ve reinvigorated every facet of the company and made it the place that songwriters want to call home. Ever since JON came on board in 2012, he has played a pivotal role in our success story, making enormous contributions to the company’s rapid development. WARNER/CHAPPELL is now ready for the next phase of its ongoing evolution, and JON is exactly the right executive for the job. He is a force of nature: a brilliant creative collaborator; a principled leader; and an inspiring mentor. He will be a terrific CEO, as he brings his dynamism and expertise to our songwriters, teams and business around the world.

"This succession not only marks a new phase for WARNER/CHAPPELL, but will enable us to further expand our horizons at WARNER BROS. RECORDS," he continued. "Our iconic label has an amazing roster of emerging and established artists, along with a dedicated, world-class team focused on creative excellence and sustained growth. Together, we're going to make WARNER BROS. RECORDS the #1 home for breaking artists and legendary superstars in the streaming age."

“JON has a deep understanding of the creative process, an outstanding devotion to songs and songwriters, and an innate ability to nurture the next generation of talented publishing executives," WARNER MUSIC GROUP CEO STEVE COOPER said. "His combination of artistic sensibility and commercial savvy is very rare, and is clearly why so many of the world’s greatest songwriters want him as their partner and champion. I’m excited by all he will accomplish in enhancing WARNER/CHAPPELL’s position as the best home for the best songwriters.”

“CAMERON is a hugely gifted executive who has built WARNER/CHAPPELL into the best music publisher in the world on every front, including A&R, digital business development, sync licensing and global expansion," COOPER continued. "Hiring JON was an inspired move, and now, by giving JON the reins, CAMERON has made the perfect choice of a successor.  With a smooth transition underway at WARNER/CHAPPELL, CAMERON will lead our plan to build on WBR's existing success, turbocharge its long-term growth and deepen our commitment to A&R and artist development."

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