Jim Roppo named Vice Chairman of Warner Records Group
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Jim Roppo has been named Vice Chairman of Warner Records Group.

Roppo joins from Universal Music Group, where he most recently served as Chairman and CEO of Republic Records.

In his new role, he will oversee operations across Warner Records Group’s labels, reporting to Chairman and CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck.

The appointment was announced by Warner Records Group on Wednesday (October 14).

Roppo will be based in Los Angeles, and his start date will be confirmed at a later time, according to the company.

He joins Warner after nearly three decades at UMG, where he had worked at Republic since 2012.

“Everything we do is rooted in artist development, and Jim has spent his career ensuring that creatives have the tools, resources, and support to reach their full potential,” said Bay-Schuck.

“Few have excelled across so many parts of our business – from digital to commerce to marketing – and that range, paired with a track record of breaking stars, will be invaluable as we accelerate the next phase of growth for Warner Records Group.”

Aaron Bay-Schuck, Warner Records

“EVERYTHING WE DO IS ROOTED IN ARTIST DEVELOPMENT, AND JIM HAS SPENT HIS CAREER ENSURING THAT CREATIVES HAVE THE TOOLS, RESOURCES, AND SUPPORT TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.”

AARON BAY-SCHUCK, WARNER RECORDS GROUP

“I’m excited to join Warner Records at such an important moment, with undeniable momentum across the roster,” said Roppo. “My focus has always been on backing great music and helping teams win, and I look forward to bringing that to Warner.

“My biggest thanks to Aaron for this opportunity.”

“I’M EXCITED TO JOIN WARNER RECORDS AT SUCH AN IMPORTANT MOMENT, WITH UNDENIABLE MOMENTUM ACROSS THE ROSTER.”

JIM ROPPO, WARNER RECORDS GROUP

Roppo joined Republic in 2012 as EVP, Marketing & Commerce, before becoming EVP and General Manager in 2018.

He was named Co-President of Republic alongside Wendy Goldstein in November 2021.

By then, MBW reported, he had worked on Republic campaigns for artists including Ariana Grande, Drake, Post Malone, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd.

In March 2024, amid a restructuring of UMG’s US labels, he was named President and COO of Republic Corps.

That label group, now known as Republic Collective, includes Republic, Island, Def Jam, and Mercury.

At the time, Republic Corps said Roppo would “spearhead strategy and operations working with [our] individual labels; leading the Corps team and integrated departments”.

He was named Chairman and CEO of Republic Records in 2025.

According to Warner, Roppo “helped build the label’s modern commercial engine – spearheading digital, data, and international launch execution” during his tenure.

Before Republic, Roppo spent 13 years at Island Def Jam Music Group, where he rose to Senior Vice President of Sales.

On September 25, Warner Music Group confirmed Bay-Schuck as sole Chairman and CEO of Warner Records Group, as part of a wider shake-up of its leadership team.

Bay-Schuck had co-led Warner Records with Tom Corson since 2018.

Corson was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of WMG in July, reporting to CEO Robert Kyncl.

Warner Records Group‘s announcement also pointed to recent chart performance across its roster.

That includes Madonna‘s return to the label with Confessions II, which debuted at No. 1 in both the US and the UK in July.

According to the company, the album also gave Madonna her “highest domestic sales week in over a decade”.

Warner Records Group also cited hits from Zach Bryan, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, and Sombr, as well as releases from Linkin Park.

At Warner Records Nashville, the company highlighted Cody Johnson, Gavin Adcock, Hudson Westbrook, and Avery Anna.

It also named Blake Whiten, Alyssa Grace, Dijon, and AZ Chike as part of a “new wave of talent” at the group.

Separately, Warner’s announcement came on the same day that MBW reported the latest wave of executive departures at Universal Music Group.

Executives understood to be leaving include Tunji Balogun, Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings.

As part of the latest changes, Republic Collective President and CEO Jeffrey Remedios and Mercury Records Chairman and CEO Tyler Arnold are taking on new leadership roles at Republic Records, MBW understands.

UMG‘s cost-savings program, which targets €250 million (approx. $270 million) in annual savings, is due to conclude in 2027.Music Business Worldwide