Oana Ruxandra, Chief Digital Officer & EVP of Business Development at Warner Music Group, is leaving the company.
The news was confirmed in an internal note from Ruxandra sent to her colleagues earlier today (October 4).
Her last day in the WMG offices will be next Friday (October 13).
In her memo to colleagues today, Ruxandra said that she and Robert Kyncl, CEO of WMG, had been “discussing my role for a while now, and I’ve decided it’s time for a change, one where I explore even further my entrepreneurial spirit”.
Added Ruxandra: “I leave WMG knowing it’s well positioned for a bold, bright future: Not least with our core streaming partners and evolving social media platforms and fitness players; we’ve also been the first to forge innovative partnerships with a wide, diverse, and thriving network of gaming, Web3, and AI companies.
“At the same time, we’ve acquired and created new businesses for WMG, including Interval Presents, our podcasting unit, and IMGN, our social media publisher.”
Ruxandra’s note continued: “The last decade has been a wonderful wild ride; we’re once again at the heart of seismic shifts and massive opportunities. I wholeheartedly believe that the future of our industry lies in the dynamic relationship between artist and fan, and the incredible explosion in creative and commercial possibilities created by that interplay.
“Above all, I’m most proud of the extraordinary team we’ve assembled, which has evolved into the absolute best in the business. I want to thank them for their passion, dedication, and above-and-beyond hard work. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what you all accomplish in the future.”
Ruxandra was promoted to Chief Digital Officer & EVP at Warner in 2020. She is also a board member at Revolve Group.
Based in New York, she reported to the CEO of Warner Music Group – previously Steve Cooper, and more recently Robert Kyncl.
As Chief Digital Officer, she oversaw WMG’s global digital strategy, often leading negotiations with entities like Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and TikTok.
Ruxandra returned to WMG in 2018 following two years as SVP of Digital Strategy and Partnerships at Universal Music Group.
Prior to that UMG role she worked at WMG as VP of Digital Strategy and Business Development.
Ruxandra began her career in the financial services industry, including experience as a portfolio manager at BlackRock.Music Business Worldwide