Warner Music UK & Ireland Brings on Sonny Takhar as CEO

Following a series of significant shifts to its senior leadership team, Warner Music Group (WMG) has hired Sonny Takhar as CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland. He will officially fill the seat in January 2027, when he will report to Val Blavatnik, Managing Director of Warner Music North America, UK & Corporate Development.

The details:

• Takhar will be in charge of creative direction, artist development, and strategic operations for WMG’s recorded music business in the UK and Ireland.

• He will also lead WMG’s independent distribution arm, ADA, in the region.

Background:

• Takhar was a founding partner of Sysco Entertainment, run by Simon Cowell and under the Sony Music umbrella.

• During his time there, he worked with One Direction, Labrinth, Leona Lewis, Little Mix, James Arthur, and more.

WMG:

• Tony Harlow left his role as CEO of Warner Music UK last October.

• Simon Robson left last week as part of WMG’s restructuring.

• Val Blavatnik is the son of Len Blavatnik, WMG's majority shareholder.

What they said:

• Val Blavatnik: “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: “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.”