Christina Erskine has joined Warner Music as its SVP Marketing & Promotions Australasia.
With over 17 years of experience in the entertainment industry across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, Erskine most recently acted in the role of Director of Engagement at the Sydney Opera House, where she led the internal marketing, communications, and strategic events teams.
Erskine held a number of senior roles across her eight-year tenure at the Opera House.
Amongst those roles were General Manager of Marketing, where she worked with producers across contemporary and classical music, commercial performing arts works, kids & families programming, talks & ideas, First Nations works and digital programming.
During her time there, Erskine led her team as they jointly won awards such as the Mumbrella Australian Marketing Team of the Year, a Gold and Bronze LION at the Cannes Festival of Creativity and, most recently, TimeOut’s TimeIn Award for the Opera House’s Digital Programming in 2020.
Earlier in her career, she helped shape the marketing, communications and brand agenda for brands such as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production company (Cats, The Phantom of the Opera) and the events company for IMG/BBC (Top Gear Festival).
Alongside the appointment of Erskine as SVP Marketing and Promotions, Cathy Oates has also joined the company as its new Head of Marketing – Australian Artists.
With an ongoing focus on the domestic roster, Oates will oversee the domestic and international Australian artist marketing strategy in the company.
Oates’s experience in the Australian music industry comes as an artist manager and music marketing consultant through her company Original Matters, who represent artists such as Kira Puru, Megan Washington and Alex the Astronaut.
Oates also previously worked at EMI Music Australia for six years.
Her last role at EMI Music Australia was Head of Capitol Records, and prior to that she worked at Sony Music Australia.
With Oates coming in to oversee WMA’s domestic artists, Dan Ellis has been appointed Head of Marketing – International Artists.
Ellis will be responsible for Warner Music Group’s international roster in Australia. Additionally, Anne Combe, with over 25 years’ experience at WMA, becomes Head of Marketing – Strategic.
Lastly, Rich Wiles has also been appointed as WMA’s Head of Audience.
With over 15 years’ experience working at the intersection of technology and content for global media brands in the entertainment industry, Wiles is a “highly experienced digital leader,” says Warner Music.
In his most recent position as Head of Digital for BBC Studios ANZ, Wiles was responsible for the digital content and marketing strategy across multiple channels, developing its audience through content and driving digital transformation and innovation across the business.
Prior to that, Wiles led the digital strategy for Disney Media Networks in ANZ, and was responsible for establishing Disney’s digital footprint by developing products and editorial content across multiple platforms.
“I look forward to cultivating passion, innovation and expertise.”
Christina Erskine
Christina Erskine, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the iconic Warner Music Group at a time of exciting evolution.
“Joining forces with a new team of marcomms professionals is a unique opportunity to champion Australian and global creativity with diverse audiences at a dynamic time for the music sector.
“I look forward to cultivating passion, innovation and expertise to grow opportunities for our immensely talented artists and creatives in new and compelling ways”.
“My main passion has always been developing and breaking Australian artists around the world.”
Cathy Oates
Cathy Oates, said: “My main passion has always been developing and breaking Australian artists around the world.
“I now very much look forward to joining Warner Music and becoming part of the new team driving their inspiring roster of Australian artists.
“We are currently facing a challenging but exciting time within the Australian Music Industry, which is all the more reason to return to my record company roots, bringing my experience after a lengthy and eventful stint in management and marketing consultancy”.
“It’s an honour to be joining the Warner Music family.”
Rich Wiles
Rich Wiles, added: “It’s an honour to be joining the Warner Music family.
“I’m looking forward to working with the talented local team, alongside an incredible roster of local and global artists in driving the growth and future success of WMA’s activities in the digital space that resonates with and engages passionate fans”.Music Business Worldwide
