Outgoing Warner Chappell co-chair and COO Carianne Marshall. Photo Credit: Jonathan Weiner
Warner Chappell is streamlining its leadership structure, and as part of a new C-suite shakeup, co-chair and COO Carianne Marshall is exiting the company.
The overarching Warner Music Group (WMG) formally announced Marshall’s departure today, and the eight-year company vet is expected to remain aboard through yearend “to ensure a seamless transition.”
But on October 1st, Warner Chappell CEO Guy Moot, who’s served as co-chair alongside Marshall since early 2019, will become the publisher’s sole chair, WMG indicated.
Addressing his expanded role, Moot in a statement praised the former Universal Music Publishing Group higher-up Marshall as “an extraordinary partner and a fierce champion for our songwriters and our people over the past seven years.
“Her vision, heart and drive helped us establish an operating foundation that sets Warner Chappell apart and shaped a winning global team. I am deeply grateful for our partnership and wish her every happiness,” Moot continued.
Striking a similar tone, WMG CEO Robert Kyncl described the outgoing team member as “instrumental in building Warner Chappell into the successful company it is today.
“She’s helped drive exceptional results that have set our songwriters and our business up for long-lasting success. Our talented team will build upon the incredible foundation she’s put in place. We thank her for her dedication, impact and wish her the very best in her next chapter,” Kyncl finished.
Finally, Marshall also commented on her departure, including by framing Warner Chappell as well-positioned to achieve continued growth.
“When Guy and I began this journey together, we wanted to build a songwriter-first home for the creative community. Reflecting on our time, I am proudest not only of our growth, but of the incredible culture and values we’ve fostered together.
“I step away with immense gratitude for Len, Robert, Guy, the WMG Board, and our entire Warner Chappell team knowing that the company has never been better positioned for what’s next,” Marshall concluded.
Regarding the precise reason(s) behind the exit, as initially mentioned, WMG attributed the change to a leadership-streamlining effort at Warner Chappell.
But in the bigger picture, it’s not a secret that today’s shift is the latest in a line of executive-level and organizational pivots under Kyncl, who during the major’s most recent earnings call described significant savings stemming from the company’s restructuring plan.
Since July’s start, WMG has brought on Eitaro Shibasaki as WM Japan’s chief business officer; launched Warner Records Germany with longtime WM Central Europe higher-up Lea Londa at the helm; tapped Mateusz Smółka to serve as WM Eastern Europe’s first MD; opened an international tech hub in Bengaluru under Mahesh Rao; implemented “a major strategic expansion” at ADA; elevated Gabz Landman to A&R EVP at Warner Chappell; and started searching for a new CFO.