Warner Music Group (WMG) has appointed Sonny Takhar as CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland, with the role set to begin in January 2027. The appointment follows a series of senior leadership changes at the company.
Takhar will report to Val Blavatnik, Managing Director of Warner Music North America, UK & Corporate Development. He will oversee creative direction, artist development, and strategic operations for WMG’s recorded music business in the UK and Ireland, and will also lead the company’s independent distribution arm, ADA, in the region.
Background and recent changes
Takhar was a founding partner of Sysco Entertainment, the company run by Simon Cowell under the Sony Music umbrella. During his time there, he worked with artists including:
- One Direction
- Labrinth
- Leona Lewis
- Little Mix
- James Arthur
The appointment follows the departure of Tony Harlow, who left his role as CEO of Warner Music UK last October, and Simon Robson, who left last week as part of WMG’s restructuring. Val Blavatnik is the son of Len Blavatnik, WMG’s majority shareholder.
Executive statements
Val Blavatnik said:
“Sonny is one of the most visionary executives in music and his track record of discovering, nurturing, and breaking global superstars speaks for itself. His instinct for talent, deep understanding of the wider music ecosystem and strategic global perspective make him the perfect leader to power Warner Music UK & Ireland forward.”
Takhar said: “I’m delighted to lead Warner Music UK & Ireland into its next chapter. Drawing on my background across labels, management, publishing and touring, I look forward to driving the business with spirit, ambition, innovation, and integrity. Our mission is to build a forward-thinking and artist-centric organisation that empowers talent to forge long-term global careers.”
