Linda Walker has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Commercial, UK & Europe, at Warner Music UK.
She began her new role in December, reporting directly to Tony Harlow, CEO of Warner Music UK, and has joined the WMUK senior management team.
In her new position, Walker heads up all aspects of Warner Music UK’s commercial relationships with digital services and physical retailers, including the independent sector.
She will also oversee the activity of WMUK’s Research and Analysis Department, run by Nick Allum, VP, Commercial & Analytics, UK and Europe, which handles the gathering and assimilating of data for strategic purposes.
Her promotion follows the decision last year of Derek Allen to step down from the business.
Allen had spent almost a decade with WMUK, joining when the company acquired Parlophone Label Group, and had worked at EMI for several years before that.
Walker joined Warner Music in 1990, and was later moved to Warner Music’s WEA division (now WMX) to support all Apple accounts across Europe, before re-joining the Commercial Team as Vice President in 2018 to oversee the delivery of all of Warner Music’s releases in the UK and Europe.
Warner says that Walker has been “pivotal” in the in the success of some of the UK’s most recognised artists, including number one records from Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Foals, Jess Glynne, Liam Gallagher, Michael Bublé, Muse, and Rod Stewart.
2021 has been a good year for Warner Music UK.
In June, Darcus Beese OBE joined the company to launch his joint-venture label, while earlier in the year, Warner Music UK artists picked up a total of 12 nominations in the Brit Awards‘ domestic categories, the most of any major.
“The music industry is moving faster than ever and we have to be nimble to thrive.”
Linda Walker
Linda Walker, said: “I’m excited to step up into this new role.
“The music industry is moving faster than ever and we have to be nimble to thrive.
“But at the same time, it still all comes down to putting out great music and convincing others it’s as special as you know it is.
“I’m also excited to be part of the senior management team at WMUK, so I can help move us forward as a company.”
“I want to thank Tony for the opportunity and Derek for his support and friendship over the years. I’ve learnt a lot from him and hope to live up to his expectations!”
“Linda is a prized member of the Warner Music family.”
Tony Harlow
Tony Harlow, added: “Linda is a prized member of the Warner Music family, and I’m glad that we can recognise her long-term contribution in this way.
“Linda joined the music industry when only a handful of women were working in commercial teams, which makes her achievements even more impressive.
“She continues to bring determination, passion, and business acumen to everything she does, including her role as Co-Chair of our Women of Warner employee resource group.
“While Linda has already had a hand in changing our company culture for the better, I can’t wait to add her voice, passion, and wisdom to our UK senior management team so that we can bring about positive change even faster.”
“I can’t thank Derek Allen enough for what he has done for the business at Warner, and before that at EMI. We are losing a key strategist, which is important, but a great friend, which matters more.
“It was a bitter pill when he decided to retire, but we all hope to see him again often and wish him and his family all the best.”Music Business Worldwide
