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Stu Bergen Named CEO, International and Global Commercial Services for Warner Music Group

February 5, 2016

Stu Bergen has been promoted to the newly created post of CEO, International and Global Commercial Services for Warner Music Group (WMG). In his new position, Bergen oversees WMG’s international Recorded Music operations outside the U.S. and UK; Warner Music’s Global Marketing team; WEA and ADA – WMG’s Artist & Label Services divisions; and Warner Classics. Bergen, who celebrates his tenth anniversary with WMG this year, has been President, International, Warner Recorded Music since 2013. As a member of WMG’s senior management team, he is based at the company’s headquarters in New York and reports to WMG CEO Steve Cooper.

Bergen’s new title reflects the broad scope of his role, which brings together oversight of Warner Music’s international affiliates with responsibility for the company’s global marketing and distribution functions. Since 2012, he has played a pivotal role in expanding WMG’s global footprint. Bergen was instrumental in the integration of Parlophone Label Group into WMG, and has overseen strategic acquisitions such as Gold Typhoon in China, Polskie Nagrania in Poland, and Gala Records in Russia as well as the buy-out of Gallo Records’ share of a joint venture with Warner Music in South Africa. In addition, he has grown Warner Music’s international presence by concentrating on the nurturing of global superstars, while at the same time making the strengthening of local repertoire a top priority.

“Stu’s promotion recognizes his leadership in helping focus our global firepower on breaking artists and building careers,” said Steve Cooper. “Drawing on his deep understanding of the worldwide marketplace, he has fostered a dynamic, innovative environment that is driving both unprecedented local success and outstanding global performance. I join everyone at WMG in congratulating Stu on this well-deserved appointment.”

“In the era when technology has removed musical barriers between nations and cultures, success can come from anywhere and translate everywhere,” said Stu Bergen. “It is critical that we draw on the full worldwide strength of our organization to cultivate hit music and superstar artists, as well as generate groundbreaking business models and creative marketing strategies. With the lines between commerce and promotion blurring, our teams are the best in the world at growing fan bases and maximizing global impact. The music industry is in the midst of a renaissance, and we have positioned ourselves at the leading edge of enormous global opportunity.”

Bergen joined WMG in 2006 as President of ILG (Independent Label Group), moving to EVP, Warner Bros Records in 2010 before being named Executive Vice President, International & Head of Global Marketing in 2012. Prior to WMG, Bergen held posts at several major record labels, including serving as EVP of Rock Music for Columbia Records, EVP of Island Records, and VP of Promotion for Epic Records. He began his music industry career in 1988 at TVT Records, following which he became Director Promotion at Relativity Records. Bergen holds a BA degree from Princeton University.