Warner Music Group has announced a major executive reshuffle, with Val Blavatnik, the 28-year-old son of WMG majority owner Len Blavatnik, named managing director of Warner Music North America, U.K., and Corporate Development. The appointment marks the fulfilment of widely anticipated expectations and is part of a broader reorganisation announced by CEO Robert Kyncl that includes the elevation of Elliot Grainge to ADA chairman, Alejandro Duque to president of Warner Music International, and the departure of long-serving executive Simon Robson after nearly 30 years with the company.

Blavatnik's appointment reflects his rising influence within WMG since joining in 2023 as a board member and senior director at Warner Chappell Music. He has been instrumental in several major initiatives, including the acquisition of 10K Projects (which brought Grainge into the fold), the negotiation of Zach Bryan's $360 million recording deal, and WMG's artificial intelligence development strategy. The restructuring also sees Guillermo Gonzalez promoted to EMEA president, Aaron Bay-Schuck affirmed as sole chairman and CEO of Warner Records, and Zach Friedman taking on the role of vice chair of ADA.