Warner Music has announced a significant change to its Central European operations.
The company is combining its recorded music businesses in Benelux (which includes the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg), including Spinnin’ Records, with those in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria (GSA) under the Warner Music Central Europe banner.
Niels Walboomers has been appointed President of the expanded WM Central Europe region across those six countries.
DoreenSchimk and Fabian Drebes will step down as WM Central Europe Co-Presidents after four years in the role, and decades at the company, as “they pursue new projects”, Warner said on Tuesday (October 14).
On the publishing side of the business, Natascha Augustin will continue to serve as Managing Director of Warner Chappell Music Germany, which Warner noted is the “country’s number one domestic music publisher”, reporting to Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music.
Walboomers has overseen Warner’s recorded music and music publishing operations in Benelux since 2023.
WMG said that Walboomers will split his time between the affiliate’s Amsterdam, Berlin and Hamburg offices, and report to SimonRobson, President, EMEA, Recorded Music, Warner Music Group.
Walboomers will be supported by Chief Business Officer, Markus Holzherr, who has held that role for the last three years at Warner Music Central Europe.
According to Tuesday’s announcement, the move marks the “latest bold step from Warner Music as it continues to find more impactful ways to invest in artists with the greatest potential and help them reach bigger global audiences”.
Warner noted that “there are similarities between the recorded music markets in Benelux and the GSA territories, with export-orientated dance genres, strong domestic hip-hop scenes, and audiences passionate about international pop and rock music”.
Combined, according to WMG, the territories included in WM Central Europe “make up the third largest recorded music market in the world, after the US and Japan, based on IFPI trade revenue figures”.
“As we hand over leadership, we’re confident the expanded region is well placed for its next chapter under Niels Walboomers and the management team.”
Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes
Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes said: “During four incredible years, and decades each with Warner Music, we’re privileged to have championed extraordinary artists, worked with exceptional teams and partners, and grown through the opportunities here.
“Together, we moved the needle – from opening our creative hub in Berlin, to having the longest-running Number One in German chart history, and leading the 2024 charts with seven out of the Top 10 singles.
“Every day here mattered. The spirit of this team powered every success, and Warner Music will always hold a place in our hearts. As we hand over leadership, we’re confident the expanded region is well placed for its next chapter under Niels Walboomers and the management team.”
“The newly combined weight of these six countries make this one of the most influential territories in the Warner Music ecosystem, and by focusing that power in fresh and imaginative ways, we’ll create bigger and more dynamic possibilities for our artists.”
Niels Walboomers
Niels Walboomers said: “I’m excited to take on responsibility for our recorded music business in Warner Music Central Europe, succeeding the brilliant Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes who ran the company so successfully.
“The newly combined weight of these six countries make this one of the most influential territories in the Warner Music ecosystem, and by focusing that power in fresh and imaginative ways, we’ll create bigger and more dynamic possibilities for our artists.
He added: “I’m hugely inspired by the talent and dedication of the GSA team, and I look forward to building on their outstanding work together. At the same time, I’m deeply grateful to the Benelux team, whose record-breaking achievements have helped make this next step possible, and to WMG’s global leadership for this amazing opportunity.”
“This bold step helps futureproof our European operations, opening up new pathways to global superstardom.”
Simon Robson said: “I want to thank Doreen and Fabian for their remarkable contributions over the past four years. Their partnership took Warner Music Central Europe to another level, and their support for domestic and international artists has been immense.
“This bold step helps futureproof our European operations, opening up new pathways to global superstardom. Together, Niels – a committed, artist-first leader – and Markus – a CBO with deep expertise – make a powerful duo to drive our next phase of growth.”
Elsewhere at Warner Music globally, Isabel Garvey recently confirmed that she will be leaving her role as Chief Operating Officer of London-based Warner Music UK.
Garvey’s decision to stand down from her role at the end of the year followed the news that Warner’s flagship Atlantic and Warner Records UK labels will be working more closely with their US counterparts, with UK label heads now reporting to US leadership.
Warner Music UK’s other teams, including the shared services that support both labels, will be overseen directly by Simon Robson, President, EMEA, Recorded Music, WMG.
The changes to WMUK’s operations followed the news that Tony Harlow is leaving his role as CEO of Warner Music UK at the end of October.Music Business Worldwide
