Longtime music executive Kevin Liles stepped down as the CEO of Warner Music Group’s 300 Entertainment. Liles announced his departure from WMG in a staff memo on Tuesday (September 17).
“If there’s one consistent in music and culture, it’s that change is inevitable,” he wrote. “As committed servants of the culture, we know growing and empowering the next generation of leaders is a responsibility, and when the time is right, we pass the torch … At 300 we have two of the most talented, homegrown young leaders in the entire music industry, Rayna Bass and Selim Bouab. On this 10th anniversary of 300, it’s their turn to lead our 300 team into the next decade of excellence. At the end of this month, I’ll be stepping aside and departing WMG, although to ensure a successful transition, I’ll continue to consult with the team through the end of the year.”
Liles’ exit continued a string of major changes to WMG’s leadership. Atlantic Records CEO Julie Greenwald will leave at the end of January 2025. WMG’s CEO of Recorded Music Max Lousada will step down at the end of September.
WMG CEO Robert Kyncl said Liles’ tenure as 300 Ent. CEO officially ends on September 30. Liles planned to focus on helping Young Thug, who’s on trial for RICO charges, and campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I’m looking forward to my next chapter where I will continue to Listen, Learn, Lead, and Love,” Liles wrote. “Specifically, I will be continuing the fight to end the criminalization of Hip-Hop lyrics exemplified by the unjust prosecution of Jeffery Williams. And in the short term, I’ll be dedicating all my other time to making history by electing Kamala Harris as the first African-American female President, as well as holding the Senate and winning back the House to make Hakeem Jeffries the first African-American Speaker. This chapter may be closing, but always remember: #jobnotdone.”
Liles co-founded 300 Ent. with Lyor Cohen, Todd Moscowitz and Roger Gold. The label was acquired by WMG in 2021.
