Warner Chappell Co-Chair/COO Carianne Marshall to Step Down From Post

Warner Music Group has announced that Carianne Marshall will transition out of her role as co-chair and chief operating officer of Warner Chappell Music, the company’s publishing division, at the end of this month, “as the company streamlines its leadership structure,” the announcement reads.

WCM CEO Guy Moot will become the sole chair of WCM, effective October 1. Marshall will remain with the company through the end of the calendar year to ensure a seamless transition, the announcement states.

Marshall, who is widely respected in the publishing industry and beyond, is the latest in a sobering succession of female executives to leave the C-suites of major music companies in recent months — most notably such pioneering execs as Sylvia Rhone at Epic and Julie Greenwald at Warner Music’s Atlantic — all of whom have been replaced by men.

Marshall joined Warner Chappell in June of 2018 following the sale of Songs music publishing — the company that rose to success with the Weeknd, Lorde and others, where she was a partner — and has co-led the publisher alongside Moot since April 2019.

She played a key role in Warner Chappell’s modernization of digital licensing, the introduction of its creative services department and multiple major signings.

The company’s key writers include Tom Petty, Grammy songwriter of the year Amy Allen, Kacey Musgraves, Raye, Gamble & Huff and others.

Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl said: “Carianne has been 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.”

Carianne Marshall said: “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.”

Guy Moot said: “Carianne has been 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.”