MUMBAI: Warner Music Group has appointed Sony executive Robert Wiesenthal as the chief operating officer in a newly created position in the company. He will commence his role in the company from 1 January 2013.
In his new role, Wiesenthal will handle the strategic acquisitions of the company as he did in Sony. He will report directly to Warner Music CEO Steve Cooper. His appointment follows the exit of Warner Music’s recorded music business head Lyor Cohen in September.
According to the announcement, Wiesenthal’s responsibilities will include ‘global corporate development across Warner Music Group’s recorded music and music publishing operations, identifying new business models and helping to drive growth through key investments and acquisitions’. He will also advice the group’s parent company Access Industries, on media and technology opportunities.
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Wiesenthal said, “I’m thrilled to join Warner Music at this exciting time for both the company and the industry. Atlantic Records, Warner Bros Records and Warner/Chappell are amongst the most respected brands in music, with exceptional recording artists, songwriters and employees. It is an honour to join an organization with such incredible heritage, which is defining a new kind of music company with an entrepreneurial and creative spirit. I can’t wait to get started.”
Prior to this appointment, he was president of Sony/ATV’s international business. He was also the chief financial officer of Sony’s US operations since 2000, where he orchestrated some key strategic moves expanding the company’s footprint in both recorded music and music publishing.
