Max Lousada, the longtime CEO of Warner Music Group’s recorded music division, wrote a letter to WMG employees as he prepares to leave his job on September 30.
According to reports last month, Losada Resigns after 8 years in the position and 20 years with WMG.
He will continue to serve as a consultant to WMG until January 31, 2025.
In a note sent to WMG employees today (September 27) and obtained by MBW, Lousada wrote: “While I will be working in an advisory capacity until the end of January, it feels like now is the time to thank you all. This has been the most extraordinary. Experience and the most incredible honour”.
“People who create music that moves people are special. The world needs them. I’m honored to help these artists be seen, heard, appreciated and ultimately successful.
Max Lusada
He added: “My entire career, from my roots in independent music to my 21 years at Warner, has been guided by one simple truth: People who create music that moves people are special.
“The world needs them. I’m honored to help these artists be seen, heard, appreciated and ultimately successful.
Lousada is Warner Music Group’s first dedicated recorded music executive since Lyor Cohen, who left the major in 2012.
The British executive began his career in the music industry right out of college, founding his own publishing company, In A Silent Way.
In 2000, he became European Managing Director of the influential New York hip-hop label Rawkus Records, working with artists such as Mos Def, Black Star, Talib Kwali and Pharoahe Monch.
In 2002, he joined Mushroom Records as A&R supervisor, signing ambient dance music Zero 7 and overseeing releases for bands such as Muse, Ash, Garbage and DJ Paul Oakenfold. .
After Warner Music UK acquired Mushroom Records in 2003, Lousada became Atlantic UK’s head of A&R and was promoted to president, and in 2009 was appointed chairman.
Lousada was appointed chief executive of Warner Music UK in 2013, taking over as chairman of Atlantic UK, which includes Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini, James Blunt, Plan B, Damien Rice, Birdy and Rudimental.
He began serving as CEO of Recorded Music in October 2017.
In a letter to WMG staff, Lusada wrote that he “sends my heart to everyone who supports artists every day by supporting their creativity, telling their stories, inspiring their fans, and taking them global.” “A huge tribute to the unsung heroes who protect the rights of artists, get them paid, and ensure we are all empowered to do our best work.”
He added: “Everyone here has a role to play, and no matter what role you play, know that I see you and I appreciate you. I’m honored to work with you and lead you.
“Remember, at its best, music is the sound of change. What the most iconic artists and the most enduring businesses have in common is evolution.
Max Lusada
He also had the following message for those “leading Warner into the next era”:
“Remember, at its best, music is the sound of change. What the most iconic artists and the most enduring businesses have in common is evolution. Sometimes it’s exciting, sometimes it’s messy and difficult ,” Lusada wrote.
“I encourage you to embrace it all, because only when we challenge ourselves and move forward, artists will win, fans will win, and we will win. Ultimately, the music has to win. It’s too important not to.
Lusada’s departure from Warner Music Group comes amid other notable changes at the top of the major, with colleagues Julie Greenwald and Kevin Lyles also leaving Warner Music Group at the end of the month.
Yesterday (September 26), outgoing Atlantic Music Group chairman Julie Greenwald sent her own farewell letter to company employees as the executive prepares to leave the company after 20 years on the job .
On Monday (September 23), Atlantic Music Group unveiled its new leadership team and broader company structure, led by new CEO Elliot Grainge.
You can read the full text of Max Lousada’s farewell letter to WMG employees below:
Hello everyone,
Monday will be my last day as CEO of Warner Music.
While I will be working in a consultant capacity until the end of January, it feels like now is the right time to thank all of you for the most extraordinary experience and most incredible honor.
My entire career, from my roots in indie music to my 21 years at Warner, has been guided by one simple truth: People who can create music that moves people are special. The world needs them. I am honored to help these artists be seen, heard, appreciated and ultimately successful.
So I want to say thank you to all the artists and managers who have trusted me and Warner to support them. Involved from the start with superstars like Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa and David Guetta; our partnerships with legends like Coldplay and Linkin Park; Trusted Management Catalog of icons like David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Madonna and Led Zeppelin; see names like Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Uzi Vert, CKay, Zach Bryan, Myke Towers, Gunna, Lizzo, Jack Harlow, Benson Boone and artists like Charli xcx leaving their mark on culture…these and many other artists are memories and relationships that I will cherish.
I want to pay a huge tribute to everyone who supports artists every day, supports their creativity, tells their stories, inspires their fans and promotes them globally, as well as protects and pays their rights. The unsung heroes who pay and secure everything they have. Everyone here has a role to play, and no matter what role you play, know that I see you and appreciate you. I am honored to work with you and lead you.
I want to thank Len for his support of Warner and wish him, Robert and the WMG leadership team every success in leading this unique and historic company forward.
For all of those leading Warner into the next era, remember that, at its best, music is the sound of change. What the most iconic artists and the most enduring businesses have in common is evolution. Sometimes it’s exciting, sometimes it’s confusing and difficult. I encourage you to embrace it all, because only when we challenge ourselves and move forward, artists will win, fans will win, and we will win. Ultimately, the music has to win. It’s too important not to.
Whatever my next era looks like, I will always support you and I hope our many paths will cross again.
Now, I’m going to record…
Thank you all, thank you for everything.
maximumglobal music business
