MICHAEL RYAN-SOUTHERN TO JOIN WARNER MUSIC GROUP AS EVP, CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT

Core Insights - Warner Music Group (WMG) has appointed Michael Ryan-Southern (MRS) as the Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, effective August 5, 2024, to lead M&A activities [1][2] - MRS brings two decades of experience in investment, finance, and the music industry, having previously served as Global Head of Music & Live Entertainment Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs [1][3] - WMG's CEO Robert Kyncl expressed optimism about the long-term value of music and the opportunities in recorded music and music publishing, highlighting MRS's expertise as a key asset for the company's growth [7] Company Overview - Warner Music Group operates in over 70 countries and includes a diverse range of labels and a music publishing arm with over one million copyrights [4] - The company is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and tech-forward approach, fostering an environment conducive to artistic creativity and business innovation [5] - WMG also supports the independent music community through its ADA division and has a presence in film and television storytelling via Warner Music Entertainment [4] MRS's Background - MRS has a strong track record in the music and live entertainment sectors, having led landmark deals while at Goldman Sachs and held senior roles at Mubadala Capital and EMI Music Publishing [3][7] - He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, a master's in tax law, and a bachelor's in accounting and finance, showcasing a robust educational background [7]