In the latest shakeup at Warner Music Group, Kevin Liles, chairman and CEO of Warner Music’s 300 Elektra Entertainment, will leave the company at the end of the year, according to memos obtained by Variety.
The move follows the impending departures of Max Lousada, the company’s longtime head of recorded music, and Atlantic Recording Group chairman Julie Greenwald, who has been in top roles at the company for some 20 years. Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl has enlisted 10K Projects founder Elliot Grainge to replace Greenwald, with the label chiefs reporting directly to him.
Although Kyncl says in his memo that Liles will not be replaced, 300 executives Rayna Bass and Selim Bouab will oversee the label; Liles will remain on board through the end of the year to assist with the transition.
A veteran label and management executive, Liles joined Warner in 2022 after the company acquired 300, which he co-founded with former Warner recorded music chief Lyor Cohen, for $400 million. The company has seen significant chart success with Young Thug, Gunna, Megan Thee Stallion (who now has a separate deal with Warner) and others. His management clients over the years included Mariah Carey and D’Angelo.
In his internal memo, Liles wrote, after speaking warmly of the company’s accomplishments, “As committed servants of the culture, we know growing and empowering the next generation of leaders is a responsibility, and when the time is right, we pass the torch. As I mentioned above, at 300 we have two of the most talented, home-grown young leaders in the entire music industry, Rayna Bass and Selim Bouab. On this tenth anniversary of 300, it’s their turn to lead our 300 team into the next decade of excellence. At the end of this month, I’ll be stepping aside and departing WMG, although to ensure a successful transition, I’ll continue to consult with the team through the end of the year.”
In his memo, Kyncl wrote, “As always, [Liles’] positive energy is focused on the future, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does next.
“Kevin is one of those charismatic leaders who’s been successful in many different roles…artist manager, label founder, entrepreneur, senior executive…he even started out as a DJ and songwriter. That’s given him a 360 vision that makes him an extraordinary brand-builder, artist advocate, and champion of creative expression. With 300 Entertainment, he has been instrumental in growing a distinct identity from the ground up, to a level that few other new labels have matched in the last twenty years. Through his work there, and more recently with Elektra, he’s developed an amazing roster of talent, an incredible team, and first-class leaders in Rayna, Selim, and Gregg.
“This change will take effect on September 30, and Kevin has agreed to stay on through the end of the calendar year to consult on the transition. I’ve decided not to replace his role, as we are working thoughtfully on the future for the entire Atlantic Music Group. I know you’re all eager to hear more, and we will update you as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, on behalf of everyone at WMG, I would like to thank Kevin for all of his lasting impact.”
Source Agencies
