Warner Music Central Europe is expanding to combine its recorded music businesses in Benelux (Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg), including Spinnin’ Records, with those in Germany, Switzerland and Austria (GSA). This is the latest bold step from Warner Music as it continues to find more impactful ways to invest in artists with the greatest potential and help them reach bigger global audiences.
Warner Music Central Europe will be led by Niels Walboomers, who has overseen the company’s recorded music and music publishing operations in Benelux since 2023. He will split his time between the affiliate’s Amsterdam, Berlin and Hamburg offices, and report to Simon Robson, President, EMEA, Recorded Music, Warner Music Group.
Walboomers will be supported by Chief Business Officer, Markus Holzherr, who has held that role for the last three years at Warner Music Central Europe.
Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes will step down after four successful years as Co-Presidents and, decades, at Warner Music Central Europe, as they pursue new projects.
There are similarities between the recorded music markets in Benelux and the GSA territories, with export-orientated dance genres, strong domestic hip-hop scenes, and audiences passionate about international pop and rock music. Combined, the territories included in WM Central Europe make up the third largest recorded music market in the world, after the US and Japan, based on IFPI trade revenue figures.
Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes say: “During four incredible years, and decades each with Warner Music, we’re privileged to have championed extraordinary artists, worked with exceptional teams and partners, and grown through the opportunities here. Together, we moved the needle – from opening our creative hub in Berlin, to having the longest-running Number One in German chart history, and leading the 2024 charts with seven out of the Top 10 singles. Every day here mattered. The spirit of this team powered every success, and Warner Music will always hold a place in our hearts. As we hand over leadership, we’re confident the expanded region is well placed for its next chapter under Niels Walboomers and the management team.”
Niels Walboomers comments: “I’m excited to take on responsibility for our recorded music business in Warner Music Central Europe, succeeding the brilliant Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes who ran the company so successfully. The newly combined weight of these six countries make this one of the most influential territories in the Warner Music ecosystem, and by focusing that power in fresh and imaginative ways, we’ll create bigger and more dynamic possibilities for our artists.
He adds: “I’m hugely inspired by the talent and dedication of the GSA team, and I look forward to building on their outstanding work together. At the same time, I’m deeply grateful to the Benelux team, whose record-breaking achievements have helped make this next step possible, and to WMG’s global leadership for this amazing opportunity.”
Simon Robson concludes: “I want to thank Doreen and Fabian for their remarkable contributions over the past four years. Their partnership took Warner Music Central Europe to another level, and their support for domestic and international artists has been immense. This bold step helps futureproof our European operations, opening up new pathways to global superstardom. Together, Niels – a committed, artist-first leader – and Markus – a CBO with deep expertise – make a powerful duo to drive our next phase of growth.”
Natascha Augustin will continue to serve as Managing Director of Warner Chappell Music Germany, the country’s number one domestic music publisher, reporting to Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music.
