Steve Cooper is the former Chief Executive Officer of Warner Music Group (WMG), the home of Atlantic Records, Warner Records, Elektra Music Group and Warner Chappell Music, amongst others.
Cooper joined WMG in August 2011 following the company’s acquisition by Access Industries in an all-cash transaction valued at $3.3 billion. Back then, he was described as a corporate “turnaround guru” who was able to rescue struggling companies from Krispy Kreme to energy company Enron.
Cooper’s decade-plus run at WMG saw multiple acquisitions including 300 Entertainment (US), Qanawat (Middle East), and Africori (Sub Saharan Africa), as well as nine-figure catalog deals with stars like David Bowie and David Guetta.
His successful tenure as WMG’s longest-running CEO concluded on January 31, 2023, handing over control of WMG to successor Robert Kyncl.
In an exit interview with Music Business Worldwide in December 2022, Cooper commented on the music industry’s potential in the coming years, noting that “the next decade will build really positively on the last ten years. There’s so much opportunity on the horizon for our artists and songwriters, and for WMG”.
He added: “Since 2010, the growth of streaming has been a slow burn towards what we’ve seen over the last couple of years – an explosion of new business models. The uses of music will be unlimited, more interactive, and surround us in our daily lives. Plus, in an increasingly crazy world, music will continue to be a source of solace, hope and entertainment.
“All successful companies get to a point where they’d benefit from fresh eyes. I’m so proud of what our team has achieved. It’s a good moment for someone new to come in and keep the ball rolling.”
Cooper also serves as a member of the Supervisory Board for LyondellBasell Industries N.V., one of the world’s largest companies specializing in olefins, polyolefins, chemicals and refining.
He is also an advisor at Zolfo Cooper, a financial advisory and interim management firm, which he co-founded and formerly acted as Chairman.
Cooper is also Managing Partner of private equity firm Cooper Investment Partners and has over three decades’ experience as a financial advisor.
“We have a lot of really talented people, and I never second guess them. I just want to create an environment where they can do their best work.”
Steve Cooper, speaking in 2016
He has previously served as Vice Chairman and member of the office of Chief Executive Officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. and Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian Telcom.
Cooper received a B.A. from Occidental College and an M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business.
In a Music Business Worldwide interview from 2016, Cooper was asked if he’s more of a businessman or a music man, to which he replied: “I have huge respect for people that have dedicated their entire careers to the music business, but that’s not what I’ve done. I have three rules that have served me well, in business and in life.
“First, have fun, because this isn’t a dress rehearsal. Second, no assholes. That’s in direct correlation to point one. Third, treat people fairly and expect to be treated fairly in return.
“So, I’ve applied those here. Right from the start, I knew better than to get involved in the creative decisions.
“We have a lot of really talented people, and I never second guess them. I just want to create an environment where they can do their best work.”Music Business Worldwide