Warner Music France is expanding to combine the activities of the company’s French recording affiliate and its Warner/Chappell music publishing business, Paul-Rene Albertini, president of Warner Music Europe said Monday.
Albertini said Yan-Philippe Blanc would join the company as chairman & CEO from Universal Music France, where he has been managing director of Mercury/ Island France. Blanc will report directly to Albertini.
Philippe Desindes, president of Warner Music France, will report to Blanc and continue to oversee the activities of the WEA France and East West France music companies.
Tom Arena will continue as managing director Warner/Chappell France, reporting to both Blanc and Los Angeles-based Warner/Chappell chairman & CEO Les Bider.
“Combining our recording and music publishing companies in France will ensure greater cooperation in the future and, ultimately, joint participation in projects which will benefit our whole business in one of the world’s most important markets,” Albertini said in a statement.
