Robert Kyncl has been appointed Warner Music Group CEO effective January next year, the company announced.
A veteran of digital media, Kyncl has been a top executive at YouTube since 2010 where he currently serves as chief business officer.
He joined Netflix in 2003 on the DVD-by-mail business, before helping to launch the company’s first foray into streaming video in 2005.
According to Warner, since 2010 Kyncl played a “central role in YouTube’s strategy and its impact on entertainment and culture”, including overseeing its creative and commercial partnerships, as well as its operations.
“He’s driven the development and expansion of YouTube’s creator, artist, and media company ecosystem, while helping lead the launch of its paid subscription services, YouTube Music, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV,” Warner said.
Current Warner Music CEO Steve Cooper will serve as Co-CEOs for the month of January 2023.
During Cooper’s leadership, Warner Music expanded its investment in artists and songwriters, grew its global market share, and diversified its revenue sources, the company said.
The move comes as music labels have transformed themselves in recent years by partnering with major digital platforms like Spotify, TikTok and YouTube.
