Warner Music Canada Lays Off at Least 24 People

Photo Credit: Warner Music Canada

Warner Music Canada has laid off at least 24 people amid major global restructuring this year, eliminating positions in marketing, A&R, catalog, and more.

As Warner Music Group (WMG) shakes things up in ongoing restructuring efforts, Warner Music Canada has laid off at least 24 people, according to Billboard Canada. Multiple former staffers report that the layoffs came on November 18, the same day that Julia Hummel and Madelaine Napoleone were named as the new Warner Music Canada co-general managers.

Staff were informed of the changes on November 17 via a company-wide email, stating that the office would be closed the following day and that employees should make themselves available for meetings with human resources. During those video meetings, many staffers were told that their positions had been eliminated.

There were previously around 185 employees working in Canada, according to a 2025 annual report by Warner Music Canada, meaning the layoffs represent at least 12% of the company’s workforce. However, some sources have suggested the percentages could be higher.

“Canada is rich with musical talent,” a Warner Music spokesperson told Billboard Canada. “We remain committed to growing our presence here. These changes will help us focus on the most extraordinary local artists and help them have a greater global impact.”

It’s been a trepidatious period for Warner Music Canada. In September, former president Kristen Burke left the company, while NYC-based president of East West Records and head of global A&R at WMG Eric Wong stepped in. According to an email Burke sent to staff, the appointment means Warner Music Canada will “now be connected more directly to the U.S. team.”

Burke’s departure followed wider WMG restructuring and a series of layoffs in other territories. In July, WMG CEO Robert Kyncl outlined in a memo to staff a plan to reduce annual costs by $300 million. This included a plan to cut $170 million via job cuts and consolidation, which Kyncl referred to as “headcount rightsizing.” Ultimately, the company laid off multiple staffers across Nashville, Asia Pacific, and the UK, as well as Warner Records.