Leho Nigul is being promoted to Chief Technology Officer at Warner Music Group, from his current role as Senior Vice President, Engineering.
At the same time, it was announced today (November 14) that Ariel Bardin has decided to leave the company after a three-year tenure as President of Technology.
A press release noted that Bardin will remain with the company through the end of 2025 “to ensure the continuity of key initiatives and a smooth leadership transition”.
Effective December 1, Nigul will lead WMG’s technology strategy, team, and product roadmap, reporting to CEO Robert Kyncl.
Bardinjoined WMG in February 2023, having previously spent 16 years at Google and YouTube. He became the second ex-YouTube/Google after Robert Kyncl became Warner Music Group CEO in January 2023.
MBW understands that Tim Matusch, another of Kyncl’s earliest hires – left his role as EVP of Strategy & Operations at WMG earlier this year.
According to WMG, during his time at the company, “Bardin has meaningfully upgraded” WMG’s tech infrastructure and processes.
WMG added that under his leadership, the company has launched “cutting-edge tools for artists, songwriters, and employees, simplified and strengthened its global supply chain, and delivered a whole suite of improvements to its data systems”.
According to WMG, having joined the company in 2023, Nigul has overseen engineering teams responsible for wide-ranging initiatives covering distribution, global licensing, royalty management, fan engagement, and AI projects, among others.
He joined WMG from Instacart and previously spent over 17 years at IBM, where he served as Head of eCommerce and Digital Experiences SaaS Development, in addition to stints at tech startups leading fast-paced engineering teams.
“I’m delighted to be passed the baton by Ariel, my long-time friend and colleague.”
Leho Nigul
Nigul said: “WMG’s dynamic approach to pioneering the future of music is creating powerful, new opportunities for our artists, songwriters, and teams. I’m delighted to be passed the baton by Ariel, my long-time friend and colleague.
“With strong foundations in place, we’ll continue to help drive growth, efficiency, and an expanded suite of services for the creative community.”
“Ariel leaves with our deepest gratitude for helping to transform our company systems, creating next-generation tools, and setting the foundation to rapidly scale WMG going forward, as well as recruiting a brilliant team, including Leho.”
Robert Kyncl, Warner Music Group
Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group, added: “Leho’s deep knowledge and wide-ranging experience as a leader, engineer, and innovator make him ideally suited to take our team into the future and leverage AI for the benefit of our artists, songwriters, and employees.
“Ariel leaves with our deepest gratitude for helping to transform our company systems, creating next-generation tools, and setting the foundation to rapidly scale WMG going forward, as well as recruiting a brilliant team, including Leho.”
“It has been an honor to collaborate with the incredible teams at WMG and serve our extraordinary artists and songwriters.”
Ariel Bardin
Bardin said: “It has been an honor to collaborate with the incredible teams at WMG and serve our extraordinary artists and songwriters.
“Together, we’ve achieved so much, and I’m pleased to be planning my next opportunity knowing the company is well-positioned to win over the long term.”Music Business Worldwide
