Warner Music Finland has appointed Jukka Immonen as Head of A&R, effective January 1, 2024.
The appointment follows Warner Music’s acquisition of Immonen’s recorded music business of The Fried Music, and the retirement of Asko Kallonen, who also served as Domestic General Manager of Warner Music Finland.
Immonen is a hit producer in Finland, known for his work with artists such as Anna Puu, Elastinen, Jenni Vartiainen, Lauri Tähkä, Sunrise Avenue, and Vesala.
He has amassed over 50 Gold and Platinum records. In his new role, Immonen will use his expertise and industry connections to identify and develop the next generation of Finnish talent, contributing to the growth of Warner Music Finland, the company said.
Established in 2002 by Immonen, The Fried Music’s recorded music division has achieved success with artists like Anna Puu, Knipi, and Viivi. Together, these artists have garnered millions of streams and secured multiple No.1 positions in Finland.
They will now integrate into Warner Music’s roster.
“Jukka is the best choice to lead Warner Music Finland’s A&R team into the future. He has enjoyed incredible success as a producer and has showed brilliant A&R skills to develop artist and songwriters with The Fried Music.”
Niko Nordström, Warner Music Finland
“Jukka is the best choice to lead Warner Music Finland’s A&R team into the future. He has enjoyed incredible success as a producer and has showed brilliant A&R skills to develop artist and songwriters with The Fried Music. Also, I’m delighted to be able to bring the recorded music side of his company into Warner Music,” said Niko Nordström, outgoing Managing Director, Warner Music Finland.
Ramona Forsström, General Manager and incoming Managing Director, Warner Music Finland, added: “I couldn’t be happier to welcome Jukka as our new Head of A&R. He has a proven track record of helping artists develop and thrive, and I’m looking forward to him getting to know our roster while signing exciting new talent.”
Commenting on his appointment, Immonen said: “I’m excited to take on the role of Head of A&R – the Warner Music Finland team is full of talented and driven execs and I’m looking forward to working with them in the new year. I feel there’s real potential to connect with teams around the world and help establish more Finnish artists on the global stage.”
“I feel there’s real potential to connect with teams around the world and help establish more Finnish artists on the global stage.”
Jukka Immonen, The Fried Music
Kallonen, the outgoing Head of A&R and Domestic General Manager at Warner Music Finland, started his career in the music industry in 1994.
He co-founded the indie label Helsinki Music Company (HMC) in 2005, later acquired by Warner Music. He will continue to serve as an A&R consultant for specific artists and projects.
“Asko is an absolute A&R icon in Finland with an unparalleled track record of successful artist careers. I’d like to say a deep thank you to Asko for all the incredible years we’ve shared and for his exceptional work at Warner Music Finland. He has been such a vital and highly appreciated team member, and we truly wish him all best and happiness in the future,” Nordström said.
Kallonen said: “I’ve enjoyed a fantastic career and now feels like the right time to take a bit of a step back. I’d like to thank my artists, Warner Music and Niko for all the incredible memories. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, while also helping Warner Music on a few exciting projects in the near future.”
Warner Music’s acquisition of The Fried Music marks its latest investment in Finland after buying Finland’s indie hip-hop label Monsp Records in May 2019.
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