Craig Kallman Named Chief Music Officer at Warner Music Group

Craig Kallman has been appointed chief music officer at Warner Music Group (WMG), the company announced Tuesday (Dec. 9). He will report directly to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl.

Kallman served as co-chair/CEO of Atlantic Records for nearly 20 years before being named chief music officer at Atlantic Music Group last September amid a generational reshuffle that saw Elliot Grainge ascend to CEO. In his new role, Kallman “will provide his deep A&R expertise across WMG’s artist roster and label group globally,” according to a press release. He will also continue signing artists to Big Beat, the label he founded in 1987 that was acquired by Atlantic in 1991. Each of Big Beat’s artists will be worked by one of WMG’s U.S. labels moving forward, including its latest signing, Elkan, who produced Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s “NOKIA” and will be releasing his debut EP, The Baby Bundle, on Friday (Dec. 12) via Atlantic Records.

Over his 35 years at Atlantic, Kallman, a legendary force in A&R, helped launch such stars as Bruno Mars, Cardi B (for whom he co-produced the smash “I Like It”), Lizzo and Wiz Khalifa and signed hip-hop and R&B icons including The Notorious B.I.G., Aaliyah, Timbaland and Lil’ Kim. During his 20 years as co-chair/CEO, he led the label alongside co-chair/COO Julie Greenwald, who exited the company in January.

“I’m deeply grateful for my time at Atlantic, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the careers of so many remarkable artists,” said Kallman in a statement. “It’s been great seeing Elliot take the helm and open a bold new chapter in the label’s illustrious history. I am excited to take on this new role and work alongside our outstanding A&R teams around the world, while reimagining the Big Beat brand as a force across genres. As my first signing, Elkan is a statement of intent, which underscores my commitment to nurture and champion extraordinary, trailblazing talent.”

Added Kyncl, “Craig has helped shape the sound and direction of modern music, leaving a lasting imprint on artists, fans, and the industry at large. With decades of experience working at the highest level with the biggest stars, he will be an invaluable creative force and deep resource in his new post…helping drive and support A&R strategy and artist development across WMG, signing exciting new talent, and collaborating with our label leaders to bring bold, original music to the world.”