Alain Lanceron Appointed Chairman Emeritus of Warner Classics & Erato

Veteran music executive Alain Lanceron has been named Chairman Emeritus of Warner Classics & Erato, effective January 1, 2026.

Backstory:

• Lanceron has worked for EMI Classics and Warner Classics for more than five decades.

• He’s led the classical division of Warner Music Group (WMG) for the past 12 years.

Other movements:

• David Bither, President of WMG’s Nonesuch Records, will expand his role to add oversight of Warner Classics & Erato.

• Long-standing label exec Markus Petersen has been promoted to the new role of Executive Vice President & General Manager, Warner Classics.

What they said:

• David Bither: “Alain has made outstanding contributions to the vitality of not only Warner Classics but the broader classical universe, and I know I will be drawing on his insight and support in his new role. I’d also like to congratulate Markus on his new post. We live in an era where classical composers and performers take inspiration from a wide range of musical influences. We look forward to bringing music both contemporary and historic to global audiences as we expand upon the rich history of Warner Classics.”