Warner Music Group Executive VP Kevin Liles steps down

Warner Music Group Executive Vice President Kevin Liles has announced his departure from the label and subsidiary 300 Elektra Entertainment, effective end of September. Liles, who has been a prominent figure in the music industry, made the announcement in an internal memo that he later shared on X (formerly Twitter).

According to Variety, Liles stated in his memo that his "short-term" goals post-retirement are to help elect Kamala Harris "as the first African-American female President" and to support Democratic candidates in the House and Senate. However, he did not provide a reason for his departure.

Liles' departure comes amid a major shakeup in Warner Music Group's leadership team, with CEO of recorded music Max Lousada and Atlantic Recording Group Chairman Julie Greenwald also leaving their roles. Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl announced that there is no one currently stepping into Liles' role at 300 Elektra Entertainment, and instead, current executives Rayna Bass and Selim Bouab will take over, reporting directly to Kyncl.

Liles will continue to serve as a consultant to Warner Music Group and 300 Elektra Entertainment through the end of the year. In his memo, he introduced his successors, saying, "As committed servants of the culture, we know growing and empowering the next generation of leaders is a responsibility, and when the time is right, we pass the torch."

Kyncl praised Liles in his own memo, calling him a "charismatic leader" who has been successful in many different roles, including artist manager, label founder, entrepreneur, and senior executive. Liles co-founded 300 Entertainment in 2012, which was later acquired by Warner Music Group in 2022 for $400 million. The label has represented notable artists such as Megan Thee Stallion, Young Thug, Migos, Gunna, and Mary J. Blige.