Seasoned leader brings wide-ranging expertise from nearly three decades at Universal Music Group
Appointment comes amid run of chart-topping hits and global breakthroughs for Warner Records Group
Warner Records Group today announced the appointment of widely respected music executive Jim Roppo to the role of Vice Chairman. Based in Los Angeles and reporting to Warner Records Group Chairman & CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck, Roppo will oversee operations across the group’s labels. His start date will be confirmed at a later time.
Roppo joins the company following nearly three decades at Universal Music Group, where he most recently served as Chairman and CEO of Republic Records, overseeing global strategy, operations, and artist development. Prior to that, he was President and COO of Republic Collective, an umbrella group housing flagship imprints including Republic, Island, Def Jam, and Mercury.
Aaron Bay-Schuck, Chairman & CEO of Warner Records Group, said, “Everything we do is rooted in artist development, and Jim has spent his career ensuring that creatives have the tools, resources, and support to reach their full potential. Few have excelled across so many parts of our business – from digital to commerce to marketing – and that range, paired with a track record of breaking stars, will be invaluable as we accelerate the next phase of growth for Warner Records Group.”
Jim Roppo said, “I’m excited to join Warner Records at such an important moment, with undeniable momentum across the roster. My focus has always been on backing great music and helping teams win, and I look forward to bringing that to Warner. My biggest thanks to Aaron for this opportunity.”
After joining Republic Records in 2012 to modernize its marketing and commercial strategy, Roppo rose through the ranks from EVP/GM to Co-President before being named Chairman & CEO of the label in 2025. During his tenure, he helped build the label’s modern commercial engine – spearheading digital, data, and international launch execution – and powered historic campaigns for the biggest artists across UMG’s roster. Roppo previously held posts at Island Def Jam Music Group, rising to Senior Vice President of Sales while guiding retail and commercial strategy.
He joins Warner Records Group as the company continues to break global cultural icons, with sustained creative and commercial momentum across genres. Recent highlights include pop icon Madonna’s return to the label, which delivered a U.S. and U.K. No. 1 album alongside her highest domestic sales week in over a decade. There have also been massive global breakthroughs and chart-topping hits from Zach Bryan, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, and Sombr; landmark releases from rock titans Linkin Park; dominant country runs from ACM award-winner Cody Johnson alongside rising stars Gavin Adcock, Hudson Westbrook, and Avery Anna via Warner Records Nashville; and an exciting new wave of talent including Blake Whiten, Alyssa Grace, Dijon, and AZ Chike.
