Ernst Trapp steps down from his positions as President, E-Commerce at WMG and CEO at EMP Merchandising

23 May 2023 - Press release

 

Ernst Trapp has announced that he has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer of EMP, Europe’s leading speciality music and entertainment online retailer, at the end of May so that he can pursue other projects.  

Trapp has led EMP since 2013, working with globally renowned artists such as Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Nirvana, Panic! At the Disco and Twenty One Pilots, as well as major entertainment brands including Disney, Harry Potter, Marvel and Star Wars.  Under his leadership, EMP has developed a network of websites serving 18 countries, with a community of millions of customers, and a fast-growing loyalty programme. 

Trapp also initiated the creation of strong private label collections at EMP and successfully introduced a broad range of third party streetwear brands.  As a result EMP, has evolved to become a leading apparel e-tailer in Europe.

He steered the company through its acquisition by Warner Music Group in 2018, after which it remained a standalone direct-to-fan division.  He also navigated EMP through the Covid-19 pandemic, seeing it emerge even more strongly as Europe’s leading specialist online music and entertainment retailer.

In 2021 Trapp was appointed President Global E-Commerce, Retail & Licensing of Warner Music Group, responsible, among other things, for the commercial success of more than 200 online stores worldwide.

Before moving to EMP Merchandising as CEO in 2013, Trapp held top management positions in e-commerce for several years, including as Managing Director, Germany at Amazon's video streaming service and Director, E-Commerce at ERGO Insurance.  He also sits on various advisory boards and has been on the board of BEVH (Federal Association of E-Commerce and Mail Order in Germany) since 2014.

Ernst Trapp says: “I’ve had an amazing time leading EMP through many changes over the last decade.  We emerged from each challenge stronger than ever and the company has a bright future ahead of it.  But now is the right time for me to move on and pursue new opportunities, knowing that the amazing team at EMP are in a good place.”

Maria Weaver, President, WMX, Warner Music Group, adds: “I want to pay tribute to Ernst for his incredible leadership at EMP and the contribution he’s made more widely to WMX and Warner Music Group.  He’s always understood the key role merch can play in helping nurture the relationship between artists and fans.  I’d like to wish him all the very best in his next adventures.”

Jan Fischer, CFO and COO of EMP, will help lead the company until a new CEO is appointed.