Roger De Graaf, co-founder of dance music giant Spinnin’ Records, has retired.
The widely respected dance music executive has resigned as president of Warner Music Group’s record label after 25 years on the job, MBW has learned.
Spinnin’ Records, a company based in Amsterdam count Co-founded with Eelko Van Kooten in 1999 and later acquired Warner Transaction value in 2017 exceeded $100 million.
After Spinnin’ was sold to Warners, Eelko van Kooten left, while De Graaf continued to lead the label.
WMG confirmed the news DeGraaf’s departure today (November 1). MBW understands the company will announce De Graaf’s successor soon.
“Roger has played a key role in building Spinnin’ Records over the past 25 years, while also helping to shape dance music as a whole,” Bart Cools, WMG’s executive vice president of global dance music, A&R and marketing, said in a statement today. The development and growth of the industry.”
Coors added: “Generations of talented people owe him a debt of gratitude for the help and support he provided as they turned their passions into livelihoods.”
Spinnin’ has worked with some of the biggest dance music artists around the world including Afrojack, Bingo Players, Cheat Codes, Don Diablo, Fedde Le Grand, Kriss Kross Amsterdam, KSHMR, Lucas & Steve, Martin Garrix, Martin Solveig, Nicky Romero, Oliver… Heldens, Sam Felt, Sander Van Doorn, Tiasto and Timmy Trumpet.
The company also owns a number of artist-led sub-labels such as Alok’s Controversia, KSHMR’s Dharma, Sander van Doorn’s DOORN Records, Tiësto’s Musical Freedom, Timmy Trumpet’s Sinphony, Robin Schulz’s Mentalo, Ummet Ozcan’s OZ Records and Future Rave by David Guetta.
Spinnin’ also owns brands such as Spinnin’ Talent Pool, an online demo submission platform for artists and producers; and Spinnin’ Sessions, an online broadcast program available for live experiences at events in Europe, Asia and North America .
The brand’s online pipeline coverage 45 million Dance lovers all over the world,Exceed 30 million Only subscribers on YouTube and above eight million Followers on Meta.
“It’s obviously a big decision to leave a great company that I’ve helped build over the past 25 years, but I think I’ve reached a point in my life where making this decision is the right one.”
Roger DeGraff
In a statement to MBW today, Roger De Graaf said: “Leaving a fantastic company that I have helped build over the past 25 years is obviously a big decision, but I feel I have achieved the stage of life, this is the most important stage of my life.
“I would like to thank all the artists, DJs, songwriters, producers and their teams who have joined me on this exciting and successful venture.”
He added, “A huge thank you to Warner Music’s leadership for their support and great partnership over the years. And, of course, a huge thank you to all the great people at Spinnin’, past and present. I wish them all the best as they write this amazing company All the best for this new chapter.
“Generations of talent owe him a debt of gratitude for the help and support he provided as they turned their passions into livelihoods.”
Bart Cools, WMG
Bart Cools, executive vice president of global dance music A&R and marketing at WMG, added: “Roger has played a key role in building Spinnin’ Records over the past 25 years, while also helping to develop and expand the dance music industry as a whole.
“Generations of talent owe him a debt of gratitude for the help and support he provided as they turned their passion into a livelihood. He was also key in bringing Spinnin’ to WMG, making it a cornerstone of our dance music strategy while ensuring It maintains its own character.
“He has also managed to maintain his consistently excellent performance over the years. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him and am grateful for his friendship.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Roger and he has been instrumental in advancing Warner Music’s dance oeuvre since Spinnin’ joined us.”
Simon Robson, WMG
Simon Robson, President of Recorded Music for WMG EMEA, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Roger and he has been instrumental in driving Warner Music’s dance offering since joining us at Spinnin’.
“I know everyone at WMG wishes him all the best for the future.”
Elsewhere within the global Warner Music Group, respected music industry veteran Kaz Kobayashi recently resigned as President and CEO of Warner Music Japan.global music business
