Warner Music Group is a global music company active in recorded music, music publishing, and artist services. It signs and develops artists, produces and distributes recordings, and manages publishing rights so songs can be licensed and monetized. Revenue comes from music sales, streaming, licensing deals, and live performances, supported by a network of iconic labels and brands. Its goal is long-term creative and commercial success while staying adaptable, ethical, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.
Company Size
5,001-10,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
1958
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Hybrid Work Options
Flexible Work Hours
Professional Development Budget
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Warner Music sues Ray-Ban over use of Taylor Swift, Travis Scott clips. Warner Music Group (WMG) has launched a lawsuit against Ray-Ban's parent company. The label asserts that the eyewear company has used hundreds of its works in social media advertisements without paying for the rights. The complaint, obtained by Billboard, accuses Italian eyewear conglomerate EssilorLuxottica of infringing 427 copyrights owned by WMG. The music company is seeking the maximum statutory damages of $150,000 (£114,000) per work, adding up to a total of $64 million (£48.5 million). WMG alleges that EssilorLuxottica, which owns Ray-Ban, Oakley and Sunglasses Hut, regularly uses unlicensed music in ads to its more than 36 million followers across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. These videos have featured recordings by WMG artists including Charli and Dua Lipa, as well as compositions from Drake, Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Travis Scott. According to the lawsuit, the ads have been "wildly successful" in selling sunglasses and have earned the company billions of dollars. "Defendants used the Plaintiffs' copyrighted works to build their brand profiles and drive sales without paying any compensation to Plaintiffs," reads the lawsuit. "Defendants not only failed to pay for the use of Plaintiffs' copyrighted works, but by including these works in the Luxottica videos without Plaintiffs' consent, Defendants deprived Plaintiffs and their artists and songwriters of the ability to control how and where their art is used." Over the past few years, music companies have launched a large-scale legal crackdown on the use of unlicensed tracks by brands on social media. While platforms like Instagram and TikTok have blanket licenses in place that allow individual users to soundtrack their videos, commercial accounts are required to purchase a 'sync licence'. Brands including Chili's, Marriott, and Designer Shoe Warehouse have settled legal cases over this issue.
Warner Music sues Luxottica over unlicensed use of 427-plus works. Warner Music Group has sued Luxottica, alleging its brands used more than 427 Warner-controlled recordings and compositions in social media videos without permission. October 12, 2026 Warner Music Group has sued Luxottica, alleging that the parent company of Ray-Ban and Oakley used more than 427 Warner-controlled works in social media videos without securing licenses or paying royalties. The lawsuit concerns the use of recordings and compositions in branded promotional content. The complaint alleges that Luxottica's brand accounts repeatedly incorporated Warner music into marketing videos, using the unlicensed works to generate audience engagement. The filing joins a growing number of disputes in which major record labels and music publishers accuse companies of using copyrighted songs in branded social media content without clearance. DistroKid removes tracks after universal Music Group claims. Interscope sues summer walker for more than $50 million. October 12, 2026
Atlantic Music Group launches strategic partnership with Kakao Entertainment to develop K-pop IP. Atlantic Music Group and Kakao Entertainment have formed a strategic partnership to discover, develop, and promote global K-pop talent across international markets. October 7, 2026 Kakao is a South Korean diversified music company Atlantic Music Group (AMG) has joined forces with South Korean media giant Kakao Entertainment to develop global K-pop talent. The partnership combines Kakao's experience in the genre with AMG's label operations to identify and support artists from the earliest points in their careers. The two entities will work on every step of the artist development and promotion process. Together they will host song camps, curate collaborations, and launch marketing campaigns through social media, TV, radio, and fan experiences. Kakao offers music IP planning and production, distribution, and artist management as part of its services. The goal is to "create synergies across every aspect of K-pop artists' global activities." Elliot Grainge, Chairman and CEO of AMG: "Kakao Entertainment has built an incredible track record of developing artists and connecting them with passionate audiences. By combining Kakao's deep expertise in K-pop with Atlantic Music Group's global reach and artist development capabilities, we have an exciting opportunity to build careers that resonate with fans all over the world." Kakao Co-CEO Joseph Chang: "This partnership holds a special meaning because it brings together two companies - a leading entertainment company in Korea and a major music powerhouse in the US - with complementary strengths and a shared ambition to unlock new opportunities for K-pop artists and IP on a global scale. By combining our expertise, networks, and market insights in K-pop, we aim to create new pathways for Korean artists to reach broader audiences and build lasting success in the global music market. We see this as an important step in our broader efforts to strengthen K-pop's global presence and deepen collaboration with industry partners around the world." CAA brings on former NFL executive dasha smith as chief operating officer. Warner Music Group makes two senior hires in middle east and north africa department. October 7, 2026
Warner Music MENA expands regional leadership. October 6, 2026 Ahmed Nureni promoted to Managing Director, Warner Music MENA. Ahmad Alghawanmeh brought in as General Manager, Warner Music MENA. Warner Music Group (WMG) today announced a strategic expansion of its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) leadership team as the company continues to position itself for growth across one of the world's fastest-growing music regions. Ahmed Nureni has been promoted to Managing Director, MENA, reporting to President of EMEA, Recorded Music, Guillermo Gonzalez. Highly respected music executive Ahmad Alghawanmeh joins the company as General Manager, MENA, reporting directly to Nureni. Nureni will oversee Warner Music's MENA's overarching vision, corporate development, strategic joint ventures, and catalog expansion across all markets. Alghawanmeh joins WMG from Sony Music Entertainment, where he served as Vice President, Revenue & Growth Strategy, developing high-impact partnerships to scale artists' reach and commercial revenue. As General Manager, Alghawanmeh will lead commercial growth, business development, market expansion initiatives, and multi-territory operational delivery for the region. The appointments will further accelerate momentum for Warner Music MENA across its operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco, following the full integration of Qanawat Music into ADA, which established a premier distribution engine for the region. Ahmed Nureni said: "I'm excited to be stepping into this new role at Warner Music MENA. I'm proud of what we've achieved in the region over the last few years, but know there is so much more opportunity for growth and development. With Ahmad joining our team, we are now in the best position to capitalise on these opportunities and become the number one destination for artists across the Arab world." Ahmad Alghawanmeh added: "I'm delighted to join Ahmed and the talented teams across the region at such a pivotal moment for Warner Music and the industry. The Arab world has a rich and dynamic creative culture. By combining WMG's global resources with our local expertise, we're well positioned to be an empowering home for Arab artists and a strong partner in driving their commercial and creative growth." Guillermo Gonzalez concluded: "MENA continues to be one of the fastest-growing music markets in the world, and Warner Music is committed to staying at the forefront of that momentum. Ahmed has done an outstanding job building our presence in the region over the last several years, and will develop this further in his new role, while, in Ahmad we are adding an executive with sharp commercial instincts, deep regional relationships, and a proven track record in digital strategy. And with ADA x Qanawat giving us an unrivaled label and services offering, we are in prime position for our next era of growth." Nureni was appointed General Manager of Warner Music MENA in 2022 following WMG's acquisition of Qanawat Music. He has since grown WMG's footprint across the region with high-profile strategic moves - including a joint venture with Riyadh-based Merwas to launch a dedicated Saudi and Gulf record label, a strategic investment in GCC talent agency HuManagement, and major artist signings, including Egyptian pop superstar Tamer Hosny. Alghawanmeh joined the music industry in 2013, starting as a Digital Account Manager at Universal Music Group. He rose to Senior Digital Partnership Manager before joining Sony Music Entertainment as Associate Director, Digital Sales and Revenue in 2018. During his tenure he was promoted to Director of Digital Business and Partner Growth, and ultimately to Vice President, Revenue & Growth. Over the last eight years, he has played a key role in advancing the MENA music ecosystem through innovative collaborations with local and global partners, achieving groundbreaking milestones for the region's artists.
Warner Music MENA expands regional leadership. Ahmed Nureni promoted to Managing Director, Warner Music MENA Ahmad Alghawanmeh brought in as General Manager, Warner Music MENA Warner Music Group (WMG) today announced a strategic expansion of its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) leadership team as the company continues to position itself for growth across one of the world's fastest-growing music regions. Ahmed Nureni has been promoted to Managing Director, MENA, reporting to President of EMEA, Recorded Music, Guillermo Gonzalez. Highly respected music executive Ahmad Alghawanmeh joins the company as General Manager, MENA, reporting directly to Nureni. Nureni will oversee Warner Music's MENA's overarching vision, corporate development, strategic joint ventures, and catalog expansion across all markets. Alghawanmeh joins WMG from Sony Music Entertainment, where he served as Vice President, Revenue & Growth Strategy, developing high-impact partnerships to scale artists' reach and commercial revenue. As General Manager, Alghawanmeh will lead commercial growth, business development, market expansion initiatives, and multi-territory operational delivery for the region. The appointments will further accelerate momentum for Warner Music MENA across its operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco, following the full integration of Qanawat Music into ADA, which established a premier distribution engine for the region. Ahmed Nureni said: "I'm excited to be stepping into this new role at Warner Music MENA. I'm proud of what we've achieved in the region over the last few years, but know there is so much more opportunity for growth and development. With Ahmad joining our team, we are now in the best position to capitalise on these opportunities and become the number one destination for artists across the Arab world." Ahmad Alghawanmeh added: "I'm delighted to join Ahmed and the talented teams across the region at such a pivotal moment for Warner Music and the industry. The Arab world has a rich and dynamic creative culture. By combining WMG's global resources with our local expertise, we're well positioned to be an empowering home for Arab artists and a strong partner in driving their commercial and creative growth." Guillermo Gonzalez concluded: "MENA continues to be one of the fastest-growing music markets in the world, and Warner Music is committed to staying at the forefront of that momentum. Ahmed has done an outstanding job building our presence in the region over the last several years, and will develop this further in his new role, while, in Ahmad we are adding an executive with sharp commercial instincts, deep regional relationships, and a proven track record in digital strategy. And with ADA x Qanawat giving us an unrivaled label and services offering, we are in prime position for our next era of growth." Nureni was appointed General Manager of Warner Music MENA in 2022 following WMG's acquisition of Qanawat Music. He has since grown WMG's footprint across the region with high-profile strategic moves - including a joint venture with Riyadh-based Merwas to launch a dedicated Saudi and Gulf record label, a strategic investment in GCC talent agency HuManagement, and major artist signings, including Egyptian pop superstar Tamer Hosny. Alghawanmeh joined the music industry in 2013, starting as a Digital Account Manager at Universal Music Group. He rose to Senior Digital Partnership Manager before joining Sony Music Entertainment as Associate Director, Digital Sales and Revenue in 2018. During his tenure he was promoted to Director of Digital Business and Partner Growth, and ultimately to Vice President, Revenue & Growth. Over the last eight years, he has played a key role in advancing the MENA music ecosystem through innovative collaborations with local and global partners, achieving groundbreaking milestones for the region's artists.