Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced the appointment of Bryan Castellani as the new executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO). Castellani, a former Disney executive, will join the music major with Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa on its talent roster starting on October 16. He will replace the longtime CFO Eric Levin, who will remain with WMG until the end of 2023 before his retirement to facilitate a smooth transition.
With over 20 years of experience at The Walt Disney Company, Castellani most recently served as the CFO for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. Based in New York, he will be reporting to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl during a pivotal time for the music entertainment industry.
Kyncl expressed his excitement about Castellani’s appointment, stating, “Bryan has wide-ranging experience helping one of the world’s most impactful creative enterprises build long-term value and unlock new global possibilities. A dynamic, operational CFO, he’ll be an excellent addition to our executive leadership team, as we grow the WMG of the future for the benefit of our artists, songwriters, investors, employees, and partners.”
Castellani’s arrival comes as WMG is focused on increasing monthly fees for music subscription services and exploring innovative opportunities with new artificial intelligence tools. The company aims to leverage its global influence and embrace various business models and formats to maximize growth within the music industry.
Excited about his new role, Castellani said, “I’m delighted to be joining WMG at such an exciting and pivotal time for the company and the music industry. Music is a powerful global force, unconstrained by any specific model or format, and has significant business upside.”
Before his tenure as the CFO for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, Castellani held the position of executive vice president of finance for Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. Prior to that, he served as executive vice president and CFO of ESPN.
Castellani’s appointment reflects WMG’s commitment to securing top talent and expertise to drive its strategic goals in the rapidly evolving music industry. As technology continues to disrupt traditional business models, WMG is poised to capitalize on new opportunities and remain at the forefront of innovation.
With a strong roster of artists such as Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa, WMG is well positioned to expand its global reach and revenue streams. Castellani’s extensive financial experience and operational expertise will play a crucial role in executing WMG’s growth strategy and ensuring the company’s long-term success.
As the world transitions to a digital economy, the music industry faces both challenges and opportunities. Streaming services and digital platforms have revolutionized how music is consumed, providing a vast distribution network and direct access to global audiences. WMG, with its diverse talent roster, is uniquely positioned to leverage these digital platforms to maximize revenue and exposure for its artists.
Additionally, the company’s focus on artificial intelligence tools highlights its commitment to harnessing technological advancements to enhance the music creation and consumption experience. By leveraging AI, WMG aims to optimize its operations, uncover new talent, and provide personalized music recommendations to its vast user base.
Overall, with Bryan Castellani’s appointment as the new CFO, WMG is poised for continued growth and success. His financial expertise, combined with WMG’s talented roster and commitment to innovation, positions the company to navigate the evolving music industry landscape and capitalize on the global potential of music. As WMG looks towards the future, it remains dedicated to supporting its artists, songwriters, investors, employees, and partners while unlocking new possibilities and creating long-term value.
