WARNER MUSIC GROUP NAMES OLE OBERMANN CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER & EVP, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

29 November 2016 - Press release

Highly regarded commercial innovator and streaming expert joins WMG’s senior leadership
 
Warner Music Group (WMG) today announced that Ole Obermann has been appointed Chief Digital Officer and Executive VP, Business Development. Obermann will oversee the company’s global business development strategy, with a focus on exploring new forms of commercial innovation and creating new digital revenue opportunities, while expanding WMG's streaming activities. As a member of WMG's senior management team, he will report to CEO Steve Cooper.
 
"With two decades of diverse digital experience, Ole has the special skill-set needed to forge new business models with tech start-ups and big players alike, while nurturing WMG's existing partnerships,” said Steve Cooper. "He brings a deep understanding of both global and local streaming markets, data-driven commercial acumen, and a principled, artist-centric sensibility to his new post. We are committed to championing the value of music, expanding the universe of opportunity for our artists, and helping them create change, not merely embrace it. Ole's vision and leadership will make him a valuable asset in achieving our mission."
 
“It is an exciting time to be joining Warner Music Group as we accelerate streaming growth and partner with emerging technology companies to open up new sources of revenue for our artists,” said Ole Obermann “I look forward to working closely with Steve and our global leadership to sharpen Warner’s competitive edge, and build on the company’s position as the most artist-friendly and innovative music company.”
 
Obermann joins WMG following a decade with Sony Music Entertainment. During his Sony tenure, he negotiated and implemented deals with Sony’s network of global digital partners. He was instrumental in Sony’s audio and video streaming strategy and oversaw the buildout of Sony’s digital analytics infrastructure. In addition, Obermann spearheaded Sony’s early efforts in playlisting, including bringing playlist app FILTR to a global audience, and leading an initiative to engage with artists and managers to foster understanding, collaboration and commercial opportunity across the streaming ecosystem.
 
Obermann joined Sony BMG’s London office in 2006 as VP, International Business Development, and was upped to SVP in 2008, based in New York.  He returned to London in 2012 and was promoted to the newly created role of EVP, Global Digital Partner Development and Sales.  
 
Prior to joining Sony, Obermann served as the Managing Director of Liquid Digital Media, a leading digital music infrastructure provider. Obermann also worked as a consultant for McKinsey & Co. He began his career as a product manager for BMG. He holds a BA degree in International Relations from Colgate University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.