Kevin Liles leaves Warner Music Group

According to memos obtained by Variety, Kevin Liles, chairman and CEO of Warner Music’s 300 Elektra Entertainment, will leave the company at the end of the year as part of the latest shakeup at Warner Music Group.

The moves follow the looming departures of Max Lousada, the company’s longtime head of recorded music, and Atlantic Recording Group chair Julie Greenwald, who has held top positions at the company for about 20 years. Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl has tapped 10K Projects founder Elliot Grainge to replace Greenwald, with the label chiefs reporting directly to him.

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While Kyncl says in its memo that Liles will not be replaced, 300 executives Rayna Bass and Selim Bouab will oversee the label. Liles will remain on board through the end of the year to assist with the transition.

Liles, a veteran label and management executive, joined Warner in 2022 after the company acquired 300, which he co-founded with former Warner Recorded Music chief Lyor Cohen, for $400 million. The company has achieved significant chart success with Young Thug, Gunna, Megan Thee Stallion (who now has a separate deal with Warner) and others. His management clients over the years have included Mariah Carey and D’Angelo.

In his internal memo, after praising the company’s performance, Liles wrote: “As dedicated servants of the culture, we know it’s a responsibility to grow and empower the next generation of leaders, and when the time is right, we will pass the torch. As I mentioned above, at 300 we have two of the most talented, homegrown young leaders in the entire music industry, Rayna Bass and Selim Bouab. On this tenth anniversary of 300, it’s their turn to lead our 300 team into the next decade of excellence. At the end of this month, I will be stepping aside and leaving WMG, but to ensure a successful transition, I will continue to consult with the team through the end of the year.”

Kyncl wrote in his memo: “As always, (Liles’) positive energy is focused on the future, and I look forward to seeing what he does next.

“Kevin is one of those charismatic leaders who has succeeded in so many different roles… artist manager, label founder, entrepreneur, senior executive… he even started out as a DJ and songwriter. That has given him a 360-degree perspective that makes him an extraordinary brand builder, artist advocate and champion of creative expression. With 300 Entertainment, he has been instrumental in growing its own identity from the ground up to a level that few other new labels have matched in the last twenty years. Through his work there, and more recently with Elektra, he has developed an incredible roster of talent, an incredible team and first-class leaders in Rayna, Selim and Gregg.

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“This change will be effective September 30th and Kevin has agreed to stay on through the end of the calendar year to advise on the transition. I have decided not to replace his role as we carefully consider the future of the entire Atlantic Music Group. I know you are all eager to hear more and we will keep you updated as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, on behalf of everyone at WMG, I would like to thank Kevin for his lasting impact.”

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