Warner Music Group

Warner Music Group (WMG) is one of the "Big Three" major music companies alongside Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment. Headquartered in New York, WMG operates a global network of labels including Warner Records, Atlantic Records, Elektra Records, and Reprise Records.

Founded in 1958 as Warner Bros. Records, the company grew through acquisitions of Atlantic (1967), Elektra, and eventually Parlophone (2013). Access Industries acquired WMG in 2011, taking it private before a 2020 Nasdaq IPO. The company generated $6.71 billion in revenue in 2025, employing over 5,500 people across 50+ countries.

WMG's historical roster spans every major genre. The company built its catalog through Atlantic's soul and R&B heritage (Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles), Warner's rock acquisitions (Led Zeppelin, Green Day), and contemporary signings across hip-hop, pop, and electronic. Warner Chappell Music ranks among the largest music publishers globally.

In 2026, WMG expanded its K-music strategy through a landmark partnership with MAINSTREAM, the South Korean agency behind Lee Young Ji. The deal positions Lee Young Ji as a priority artist for Warner's international network. Oscar Scivier, Head of A&R for Warner Music APAC, leads the label's Asian expansion, focusing on artist development rather than passive licensing.

Robert Kyncl serves as CEO, with Michael Lynton as chairman. The company trades on Nasdaq under ticker WMG.