Sonny Takhar Named Warner Music U.K. & Ireland’s New CEO and Chairman

Sonny Takhar has been named Warner Music U.K. & Ireland’s new CEO and chairman on Monday (Sept. 28).

The move comes just days after Simon Robson, previously managing director EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa), exited the business after 30 years on Friday (Sept. 25), along with a flurry of executive appointments announced by WMG’s CEO, Robert Kyncl. Tony Harlow was the last executive to hold the CEO title, leading the U.K. and Ireland operations between 2019 and 2025.

Takhar will report to Val Blavatnik, managing director of Warner Music North America, U.K. & corporate development. Last week Blavatnik, the 28-year-old son of Warner Music Group majority owner and vice chairman Len Blavatnik, was announced to be taking on the role in an expansion of his remit.

Takhar will also assume operational overnight of WMG’s independent distribution arm ADA in the U.K. and Ireland. He’ll work in close partnership with Elliot Grainge, CEO and chairman of Atlantic Music Group and now chairman of ADA in the U.S. Takhar will also work in collaboration with Aaron Bay-Schuck, chairman and CEO of Warner Records Group on creative and commercial alignment.

Takhar will assume the role in January 2027 and oversee creative direction, artist development and strategic operations across WMG’s recorded music in the U.K.

He was a founding partner of Syco Entertainment alongside Simon Cowell and was president of the label at the time of his departure in 2016. During his tenure, he played a key role in the development of One Direction, Little Mix, Leona Lewis and more and oversaw the launch of hit global TV franchises The X Factor and Got Talent.

He is also the co-founder of L.A.-based KYN Entertainment in a joint venture with Live Nation, and also worked with Westlife on their global tours and managed songwriter and producer Steve Mac (BTS, Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi).

Speaking on the appointment, Val Blavatnik says: “Sonny is one of the most visionary executives in music and his track record of discovering, nurturing, and breaking global superstars speaks for itself. His instinct for talent, deep understanding of the wider music ecosystem and strategic global perspective make him the perfect leader to power Warner Music U.K. & Ireland forward.”

Takhar adds: “I’m delighted to lead Warner Music U.K. & Ireland into its next chapter. Drawing on my background across labels, management, publishing, and touring, I look forward to driving the business with spirit, ambition, innovation, and integrity. Our mission is to build a forward-thinking and artist-centric organization that empowers talent to forge long-term global careers.”