Warner Music India’s majority-owned subsidiary Divo has appointed Ashok Parwani as Head of Music, bringing in a veteran with over 40 years of industry experience to oversee its push into regional Indian markets.
Parwani spent two decades at Sony Music India, where he helped build the company’s southern India operations “into the number one label in the region,” Divo said on Tuesday (December 16).
His track record includes major catalog acquisitions and relationships with producers, filmmakers and artists across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam music markets.
The hire suggests Warner Music’s strategy to expand its presence in South India. Divo operates across music distribution, publishing, digital content and influencer marketing in South India.
Parwani said: “I’m thrilled to join Divo at such a dynamic moment. South India is a powerhouse of creativity, and aligned with Warner Music India’s long-term vision, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen our regional presence and take this music to wider audiences across India and globally. I look forward to expanding our reach and creating new pathways for South Indian music to thrive globally.”
“South India is a powerhouse of creativity, and aligned with Warner Music India’s long-term vision, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen our regional presence and take this music to wider audiences across India and globally.”
Ashok Parwani, Divo
Warner Music India itself launched in 2020. It has since moved aggressively to build market share through acquisitions and partnerships. In 2023, it acquired a majority stake in Divo and in India-based artist management and live events company E–Positive. In 2024, the music giant made a strategic investment in JetSynthesys’ Global Music Junction, and a strategic minority investment in SkillBox, a live entertainment and ticketing platform based in India.
In September, Divo, with over 4.3 million YouTube subscribers, launched a new label called Loopd, dedicated to independent music in the market. Divo has also started looking beyond India’s borders, forming a partnership with Sri Lanka’s M-Entertainments to create opportunities for regional artists in international markets.
“Ashok brings unparalleled regional expertise and industry relationships that align perfectly with our long-term vision for South India.”
Jay Mehta, Warner Music India & SAARC
Commenting on Parwani’s appointment, Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India & SAARC, said: “Ashok brings unparalleled regional expertise and industry relationships that align perfectly with our long-term vision for South India. Divo is an essential, high-growth pillar of our national strategy, and his proven leadership will be vital as we accelerate our mission to build world-class pathways for local artists and take the incredible sounds of India to a global audience.”
Shahir Muneer, Co-Founder & Director, Divo, added: “Ashok brings the experience and industry relationships that will help accelerate Divo’s expansion and reinforce Warner Music India’s commitment to South India. With his leadership, we’re ready to scale our catalogue, deepen partnerships, and drive stronger commercial outcomes for our artists.”
“With his leadership, we’re ready to scale our catalogue, deepen partnerships, and drive stronger commercial outcomes for our artists.”
Shahir Muneer, Divo
Warner Music India’s artist roster includes domestic artists such as Darshan Raval, Diljit Dosanjh, Karma, King, and Sanjith Hegde. The Indian arm of Warner Music also created MAATI, an imprint dedicated to Indian folk music, and partnered with Warner Music Canada to establish 91 NORTH RECORDS, which focuses on South Asian talent globally.
Music Business Worldwide
