Acclaimed Industry Leader to Drive Artist Development and Expand Global Reach of British and Irish Music
London, September 28th 2026 – Warner Music Group (WMG) today announced the appointment of highly regarded industry executive Sonny Takhar as Chairman and CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland. Taking up the role in January 2027, Takhar will oversee creative direction, artist development, and strategic operations across WMG’s recorded music footprint in the UK, the world’s third-largest music market, and Ireland.
Takhar will report to Val Blavatnik, Managing Director of Warner Music North America, UK & Corporate Development. Takhar’s remit will also include operational oversight of WMG’s independent distribution arm, ADA, in the UK and Ireland, and he’ll work in close partnership with Elliot Grainge, CEO and Chairman of Atlantic Music Group and Chairman of ADA in the US, as well as Aaron Bay-Schuck, Chairman and CEO of Warner Records Group, to ensure seamless creative and commercial alignment across WMG’s flagship UK and US labels.
Takhar brings decades of transformative industry leadership to WMG. As a founding partner of Syco Entertainment, he helped define an era of global pop culture, overseeing a roster that generated more than 400 million record sales, 244 Number One albums, and 169 Number One singles worldwide. During his tenure, he played a central role in breaking global icons including One Direction, Labrinth, Leona Lewis, Little Mix, James Arthur and Fifth Harmony, alongside leading the launch of hit global TV franchises The X Factor and Got Talent.
More recently, Takhar co-founded Los Angeles-based KYN Entertainment in a joint venture with Live Nation, pioneering an innovative artist-partnership model spanning recorded music, publishing, and management. His track record also includes guiding global touring giant Westlife to sell-out stadium tours worldwide and managing Steve Mac, one of the world’s most successful songwriters and producers.
Beyond the industry, Takhar co-created UNICEF’s World Children’s Day and serves as a formal advisor to the organisation.
Val Blavatnik says: “Sonny is one of the most visionary executives in music and his track record of discovering, nurturing, and breaking global superstars speaks for itself. His instinct for talent, deep understanding of the wider music ecosystem and strategic global perspective make him the perfect leader to power Warner Music UK & Ireland forward.”
Sonny Takhar adds: “I’m delighted to lead Warner Music UK & Ireland into its next chapter. Drawing on my background across labels, management, publishing, and touring, I look forward to driving the business with spirit, ambition, innovation, and integrity. Our mission is to build a forward-thinking and artist-centric organisation that empowers talent to forge long-term global careers.”
