Jim Roppo Named Vice Chair at Warner Records
Jim Roppo, formerly chairman and chief executive of Republic Records, is joining Warner Records Group as vice chair. The move follows his departure from Universal Music Group amid wider restructuring and adds a senior executive with long experience to Warner’s leadership.
Roppo spent three decades at UMG and will report to Warner Records Group chairman and CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck. His appointment follows Tom Corson’s promotion to chief operating officer of Warner Music Group in July; other UMG departures announced this week included Def Jam chief Tunji Balogun and Polydor label group president Ben Mortimer.
- Jim Roppo joins Warner Records Group as vice chair.
- He leaves UMG after three decades.
- He will report to Aaron Bay-Schuck.
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Warner Records and Republic Records are record labels within two of the world’s major music groups: Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group (UMG). Their leaders oversee the signing and promotion of artists and the release of music.
Jim Roppo spent about three decades at UMG, including as chairman and chief executive of Republic Records. At Warner Records Group, he will report to chairman and chief executive Aaron Bay-Schuck, joining a leadership team that has also seen Tom Corson move into a senior role at Warner Music Group.
The appointment comes amid changes at both companies, including several senior departures from UMG. These shifts matter because leadership decisions can shape how labels manage their artists, releases and business priorities.