General Counsel, International at Warner Music Group, Chris Ancliff, now has a dual role as Executive Vice President for Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.
In his new role, Ancliff will oversee the company’s operations in the aforementioned developing markets, reporting to Stu Bergen, WMG’s CEO, International and Global Commercial Services.
At the same time, he will continue to serve as WMG’s General Counsel, International, responsible for WMG’s legal and business affairs activities outside the US, reporting to Paul Robinson, WMG’s EVP and General Counsel.
“As we continue to build our global presence, we are designing our local strategies for each territory’s unique culture and market. With over two decades of wide-ranging international experience under his belt, Chris is the perfect choice to turbocharge our rapidly evolving presence in these dynamic growth territories.”
Stu bergen, warner music group
Said Bergen: “As we continue to build our global presence, we are designing our local strategies for each territory’s unique culture and market. With over two decades of wide-ranging international experience under his belt, Chris is the perfect choice to turbocharge our rapidly evolving presence in these dynamic growth territories.
“Giving these regions dedicated leadership is another important step in ensuring that our artists realise their full global potential.”
Prior to WMG, Ancliff spent eleven years at EMI International, rising from Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs to General Counsel, EMI Group.
He began his career at the London-based law firm Linklaters before moving to PolyGram International in 1993, where he became head of the legal department for the company’s music marketing division and later held the same post for its filmed entertainment operations.
Ancliff has helped inform and shape policy on music and the creative industries around the world through his roles with industry trade bodies such as BPI and IFPI.
“Since joining WMG seven years ago, Chris has been an important player in helping us to make thoughtful acquisitions, expand our international footprint and embrace new business models,” said Robinson.
“His deep understanding of our business, company and licensees in these regions means this new role is a natural extension of his General Counsel duties and will make him hugely valuable as we take our international operations to new heights.”
Ancliff added: “This is an exciting time to be at WMG, which is leading the industry in developing forward-thinking opportunities across the globe. From investing in local repertoire to bringing the world a new generation of boundary-crossing superstars, our teams are the best in the business.
“I’m looking forward to working more closely with our colleagues such as Alexander Blinov in Russia, Piotr Kabaj in Poland and Tracy Fraser in South Africa, while developing our partnerships with our licensees. I’d like to thank Stu and Paul for this fantastic new opportunity.”
Over the past three years, WMG has made a number of major initiatives in emerging markets.Among them was the company’s 2013 acquisition of Gala Records Group, Russia’s leading independent music company, which led to the establishment of Warner Music Russia.
