KURZMAN JOINS WMG BOARD

WMG has elected biz veteran Ceci Kurzman to its Board of Directors, effective 10/1.

Kurzman, founder/prez of Nexus Management Group and experienced investor, has been a pioneer in the cultivation of artist brands; she’s helped guide the career of Shakira, among many other artists, and led marketing at Epic during the halcyon era of Michael Jackson and Celine Dion. Her career in the biz began in the Clive Davis regime at Arista. The Harvard grad serves on the board of Revlon, Man Group, Spring Studios and Cirque du Soleil as well as multiple nonprofits; she has been an outspoken advocate for diversity and the mentoring of female execs.

The company further announced that, consistent with public company best practices, the only management member on its Board should be CEO Steve Cooper, and that the Board should remain at 11 members. Therefore Global Chief of Recorded Music Max Lousada will step aside from the Board.

OK, let’s get to those quotes!

“Ceci’s expertise in developing the careers of artists, combined with her work as an entrepreneur and investor, will make her a great addition to our exceptional group of advisors,” proclaimed Len Blavatnik, Founder/Chairman of WMG owner Access Industries. Max is playing an integral role in the current success and future of Warner Music Group, and he’ll continue to be an influential voice in our Board discussions.”

“Music already has unprecedented reach and impact across the globe, and every day the opportunities grow more dynamic, disruptive, and ubiquitous,” said Kurzman. Warner is uniquely positioned in this exciting environment, with an extraordinary roster of artists and songwriters, backed by a forward-thinking leadership team across both recorded music and music publishing. I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues on the WMG Board to help the company innovate and achieve its ambitious vision.”

Quoth Lousada: “I’m happy to welcome Ceci and her valuable perspective to the world of WMG, and look forward to working with her, Len, Steve and the rest of the Board, as we continue to pioneer big, bold opportunities for artists, and accelerate our investments in new talent, territories, and technology.”