LONDON (CelebrityAccess) – Tony Harlow has been appointed chairman and CEO of Warner Music UK.
Harlow joined WMG in 2010 as managing director for Australasia, where he helped to break global acts including Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa. Most recently, he served as president of WEA, the global artist and label services arm of WMG, where he helped expand streaming-focused marketing, as well as oversee the addition of direct-to-consumer synergy for Songkick, EMP and Uproxx.
Harlow succeeds Max Lousada, who has been chairman & CEO of WMUK since 2013.
Lousada said: “Tony has a depth and diversity of experience that few can match. Ever since his days behind the counter at a Beggars Banquet record shop, he’s been a true artist champion with a total passion for music. And as an entrepreneurial leader, he has a progressive and ambitious vision for where the business needs to go next. He’ll be a great mentor to the next generation of creatives and executives, building an environment where original talent is nurtured and challenged. This is obviously a job that’s very close to my heart, and I couldn’t be leaving it in better hands.”
Harlow added: “The UK is a vital source for many of the world’s most influential artists, cultural trends, and creative innovations. At the same time, it’s been leading the way in erasing the barriers of genre and geography for international talent. I’m very happy to be coming home to work with the extraordinary, record-breaking artists and team at WMUK. I’m so pleased I’ll get to continue working with my amazing colleagues at WEA in this new role, and I want to thank Max for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”
Harlow began his music industry career at EMI in the UK, before moving to Australia to become MD, EMI Music Australia in the late ’90s. He has also served as CEO of Richard Branson’s V2 label and held various positions with Universal Music Group.
