Universal Music has a new boss in Australia: Sean Warner

Universal Music Australia (UMA) has announced the promotion and appointment of Sean Warner as President of Universal Music Australia & New Zealand effective January 1, 2023.

Warner succeeds George Ash, who previously announced his intention to retire from his position at UMA.

Warner joined UMA in 2007 as National Sales Manager and most recently served as Senior Vice President of Commercial responsible for UMA & New Zealand’s commercial growth, innovation and digital development.

As such, Warner has led UMA’s commercial operations for the past 15 years, in addition to overseeing commercial strategy in Southeast Asia (SEA), launching Bravados’ merchandise and licensing businesses in the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) region and developing eCommerce -business of UMA .

Warner said: “It is an honor and a privilege to assume this role as President of Universal Music Australia & New Zealand. As the region’s leading music company, we will continue to innovate and develop our businesses and support our artists and labels to bring the best music and culture to their fans.

“I look forward to working hand-in-hand with my colleagues to build on our successes together and would like to thank Sir Lucian for his belief in me and George for his friendship, trust and guidance during my time at UMA.”

Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG said: “Sean’s deep understanding of the Australian market combined with his operational experience and the respect he has earned from his UMG peers and artists – both domestically and internationally makes him the ideal leader for the role of President. I am confident that he will add to our track record of creative and commercial success in such a culturally important market.”

Sean Warner is the second new head of a major record label to be appointed in Australia this year after Sony Music hired Vanessa Picken as chairman and CEO of the company in Oz and New Zealand this summer.

Meanwhile, Dan Rosen assumed his role as President of Warner Music Australiasia in February 2021.

Earlier this year, Sean Warner launched Commercial+, a centralized division within UMA built to add value to every area of ​​the business, providing support and strategy across Social, Streaming, Content, Data and Audience, eCommerce , commercial partnerships, catalog and distribution, and is dedicated to creating opportunities for artists and labels in ANZ and worldwide.

Prior to UMA, Warner held senior positions in music, media and entertainment organizations including BMG Interactive, Sony PlayStation, DMX Music and Foxtel after studying commerce with an emphasis in accounting and law. He also serves as AMTD fundraising committee chair for music charity SupportAct and has been instrumental in bringing a number of high profile artists to UMA.music business worldwide