Craig Kallman Appointed Chief Music Officer of WMG

Warner Music Group (WMG) has appointed Craig Kallman as Chief Music Officer. He will be based in New York and report directly to WMG’s CEO Robert Kyncl.

The role:

• Kallman will provide his deep A&R expertise across WMG’s artist roster and label group globally.

• He will also continue to sign new artists to Big Beat, the label he founded in 1987 and which has been a part of WMG since he joined the company in 1991.

• His first Big Beat signing is up-and-coming producer Elkan, who produced Drake and PartyNextDoor’s smash, “NOKIA.”

Backstory:

• Kallman was Chairman & CEO of Atlantic Records from 2005 to 2024, working with artists such as Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Death Cab For Cutie, Lizzo and more.

• In October 2024 he was named Chief Music Officer of Atlantic Music Group.

• He began his career as a teenager DJing in New York City clubs and, in 1987, started the independent Big Beat label in his bedroom.

• Four years later the label’s success in the dance and hip-hop underground prompted Atlantic to acquire it and invite Kallman to join the company’s A&R department.

• There he signed a string of artists including Aaliyah, Brandy, Timbaland, P.O.D., and many others.

What they said:

• Robert Kyncl: “Craig has helped shape the sound and direction of modern music, leaving a lasting imprint on artists, fans, and the industry at large. With decades of experience working at the highest level with the biggest stars, he will be an invaluable creative force and deep resource in his new post…helping drive and support A&R strategy and artist development across WMG, signing exciting new talent, and collaborating with our label leaders to bring bold, original music to the world.”

• Craig Kallman: “I’m deeply grateful for my time at Atlantic, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the careers of so many remarkable artists. It’s been great seeing Elliot [Grainge] take the helm and open a bold new chapter in the label’s illustrious history. I am excited to take on this new role and work alongside our outstanding A&R teams around the world, while reimagining the Big Beat brand as a force across genres. As my first signing, Elkan is a statement of intent, which underscores my commitment to nurture and champion extraordinary, trailblazing talent.”