Warner Music Central Europe Reveals Expansion, Exec Shakeup

Outgoing Warner Music Central Europe co-presidents Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes. Photo Credit: Maximilian König

Warner Music Group (WMG) has revealed another reorganization and executive shakeup in Europe, where WM Central Europe co-presidents Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes are stepping away from the company.

WMG confirmed this newest pivot today, after September delivered a multifaceted recalibration at Atlantic Records and Warner Records. As part of the bolstered “transatlantic partnership” between these divisions, Warner Music UK CEO Tony Harlow exited the major; COO Isabel Garvey subsequently announced plans to do the same.

Evidently, WMG’s structural overhaul and C-suite shifts still aren’t finished. At the top level, Warner Music Central Europe is combining its recorded music operations in Benelux (including Spinnin’ Records) with those in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria (GSA).

Summarizing the thinking behind the combination, Warner Music pointed to “similarities between the recorded music markets in Benelux and the GSA territories.” Said similarities include “export-orientated dance genres, strong domestic hip-hop scenes, and” a passion for global pop and rock releases, the Robert Kyncl-led label relayed.

Organizationally, the initially mentioned Doreen Schimk (a 15-year WMG vet) and Fabian Drebes (11 years) “will step down after four successful years as Co-Presidents…as they pursue new projects.”

“During four incredible years, and decades each with Warner Music,” Schimk and Drebes stated in joint remarks, “we’re privileged to have championed extraordinary artists, worked with exceptional teams and partners, and grown through the opportunities here. …  As we hand over leadership, we’re confident the expanded region is well placed for its next chapter under Niels Walboomers and the management team.”

As some will recall, it was only in March that Walboomers took the reins at Spinnin’ Records – while remaining at the helm of Warner Music Benelux.

Now, in leading Warner Music Central Europe to boot, the higher-up “will split his time between the affiliate’s Amsterdam, Berlin and Hamburg offices,” reporting to recorded music president for EMEA Simon Robson, WMG communicated. In a statement, Walboomers touched on plans to unlock “bigger and more dynamic possibilities for our artists.”

Lastly, longtime Warner Music exec Natascha Augustin is expected to stay aboard as Warner Chappell Germany’s MD, and WM Central Europe chief business officer Markus Holzherr is poised to remain in place as well.

“This bold step helps futureproof our European operations, opening up new pathways to global superstardom,” Robson added of the broader strategic objectives behind the changes. “Together, Niels – a committed, artist-first leader – and Markus – a CBO with deep expertise – make a powerful duo to drive our next phase of growth.”