Steve Butler has been named Head of Legal & Business Affairs, North America, for Warner Chappell Music (WCM).
In this new role, he’ll support the music publisher’s US – including Nashville and U.S. Latin – and Canadian markets and will work closely with various departments to ensure cohesion across its North American operations.
Butler will continue to report to Peter Rosenthal, WCM’s Executive Vice President, Global Head of Legal & Business Affairs.
Butler is a music industry veteran who has been with the WCM Legal & Business Affairs team for more than a decade, starting as Vice President before being promoted to Senior Vice President.
WCM notes that, during his time at the publisher, he’s negotiated, closed, and managed deals with a range of high-profile songwriters and artists across multiple genres.
He has also overseen key acquisitions – including the publisher’s purchase of David Bowie’s iconic music catalog in early 2022.
Prior to WCM, Butler spent several years working in private practice and got his start in music at Warner Bros. Records.
“I look forward to continuing to partner with Guy, Carianne, Peter, and the entire team to add even more exceptional songwriters to our roster.”
Steve Butler
Butler said: “I love working across genres and getting to collaborate with our A&R teams here in the U.S. and around the world.
“During my time at WCM, I’ve had the opportunity to work on deals with a range of talent, from Dan + Shay and Thomas Rhett to MAG and Marco Antonio Solís to Anderson .Paak and Kaleo to David Bowie.
“I look forward to continuing to partner with Guy, Carianne, Peter, and the entire team to add even more exceptional songwriters to our roster.”
“His skills as a lawyer and dealmaker are surpassed only by his passion for music, which shines through everything he does.”
Peter Rosenthal
Rosenthal added: “Steve’s new title reflects the widespread respect he’s earned across the industry not only from colleagues, but most importantly from our songwriters and their lawyers, managers, and other representatives.
“His skills as a lawyer and dealmaker are surpassed only by his passion for music, which shines through everything he does.”Music Business Worldwide