Bernd Dopp, the long-running Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Central Europe, is leaving Warner Music Group (WMG) after 37 years with the main.
Dopp will probably be passing on the management of Germany-headquartered Warner Music Central Europe to 2 Co-Presidents: Doreen Schimk, Managing Director, Media & Manufacturers, and Fabian Drebes, Managing Director, Worldwide. The duo will take over from Dopp on October 1.
Warner Music would be the first main label in Germany to be headed by a twin management.
Dopp turns into the second veteran chief of a Warner Music report firm in Europe to exit WMG prior to now 12 months, after ex-Warner Music France boss Thierry Chassagne retired in October final 12 months.
WMG confirmed that Dopp’s exit takes place amid Warner Music Central Europe’s greatest ever 12 months by way of monetary outcomes.
Max Lousada, CEO of Recorded Music for Warner Music Group and Simon Robson, President, Worldwide, Recorded Music, Warner Music Group stated in a joint assertion: “Bernd is an unimaginable music man, who is thought for his passionate advocacy on behalf of our artists. However, simply as importantly, he’s additionally created a welcoming, heat tradition at Warner Music Central Europe that’s impressed everybody who’s skilled it.
“Doreen Schimk, Fabian Drebes and his complete workforce have simply helped Bernd ship essentially the most profitable 12 months within the historical past of the corporate. That’s an unimaginable reflection on all three of them and means we’re making this transition from a place of power.”
Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes added: “Working with Bernd Dopp has been about studying from excellence. He’s our most influential mentor.
“He repeatedly pushed us and himself ahead with enthusiasm, empathy, and expertise. As a real chief and music icon, he leaves behind an excellent and worthwhile legacy within the music trade and deserves our greatest respect. Thanks for being an inspiration.”
“As a real chief and music icon, Bernd leaves behind an excellent and worthwhile legacy within the music trade and deserves our greatest respect. Thanks for being an inspiration.”
Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes, the brand new leaders of Warner Music Central Europe
Bernd Dopp is the longest serving member of the BVMI (German IFPI) board. He’ll proceed to be concerned with WMG past October, performing as a senior advisor.
Dopp stated: “My mission is completed and now it’s time for a change of era. It was an honor and a privilege to expertise this unimaginable journey with Warner Music. Now I’m proud handy over the accountability for the corporate to Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes.
“They’re each extremely revered within the artist neighborhood, in addition to within the native and worldwide music enterprise. They’re actually among the many most glorious music executives in Europe and I’ve absolute confidence in each to steer the corporate into an much more profitable future. I want all of them the most effective, a lot of success and an excessive amount of pleasure!
“After all, I wish to thank my complete workforce and all of the artists I’ve had the privilege to work with and for. I had a good time!”
Germany was the world’s fourth largest recorded music market in 2020, in response to IFPI information.
The nation’s recorded music market generated over $1 billion within the first half of 2021 on a retail foundation, in response to BVMI stats, up 12.4% year-on-year.
Artists who achieved notable success in Germany with Dopp’s help included Neil Younger, Lou Reed, Tracy Chapman, Phil Collins, Madonna, Prince, Enya, Udo Lindenberg, Beatsteaks, Seeed, Linkin Park, Peter Fox, Janelle Monáe, Bruno Mars, Robin Schulz, Cardi B, Ed Sheeran and plenty of others.Music Enterprise Worldwide