Lachie Rutherford

Lachie Rutherford is President, Warner Music Asia Pacific & Chairman, Warner Music Japan. Based at the company’s regional headquarters in Hong Kong, he oversees WMG’s networks of affiliates in the territory including the key markets of Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia. In addition, he has served as the Chairman of IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) Asia Pacific since 2004.

He joined Warner Music in 1998, a year later was named President, Warner Music Asia Pacific and has since led the transformation of WMG’s regional organization into a broad-based media and artist services company. From 2003, he was also the head of Warner Music Japan, one of the most vibrant and successful music companies in the world. In 2008, he appointed a CEO & President to run the affiliate whilst retaining his role as its Chairman.

Rutherford has been closely associated with the region's top acts over the years and has been directly involved in many Asian artists’ careers including Kobukuro, Ayaka, Superfly, Bonnie Pink, A-Mei, Stephanie Sun, FIR, Sammi Cheng, Aaron Kwok, Fiona Sit, and Faye Wong. He has also overseen numerous landmark achievements in the Asia Pacific territory, especially in its digital operations and A&R strategy. In 2005, WMG created the first ever mobile music bundle or “WAMO pack” with KDDI Corporation in Japan.  In 2007, Rutherford oversaw Warner Music’s purchase of a majority stake in Taisuke a leading artist services in Japan, which further accelerated Warner Music’s pioneering approach to expanded rights relationships with artists in the region and is helping to solidify WMG’s growing presence in non-traditional businesses, such as touring, artist management and sponsorship.

Prior to joining Warner Music, Rutherford was at EMI Music Group, where he became Regional Director of EMI Music Operations in South East Asia in 1984.  He was named EMI Regional Managing Director for South East Asia and China in 1994 before becoming President, EMI Music Asia in 1995.

Before his tenure at EMI, he practiced as a barrister in Australia. Originally from New Zealand, Rutherford has a Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Law degrees from the University of Otago.