Longtime music industry executive Craig Kallman has been elevated to chief music officer at Warner Music Group, just over a year after he was appointed to the same role at subsidiary Atlantic Music Group.
In his new role, Kallman, who has been with Atlantic for three decades, will be based in New York City and report to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl. His responsibilities will include signing new artists to Big Beat, the label he founded in 1987 and has been under the WMG umbrella since 1991. His first signing is producer Elkan, who has worked on tracks including Drake and PartyNextDoor’s hit “Nokia” as well as Metro Boomin and Young Thug’s “Metro Spider.” Elkan is gearing up to release his first EP “The Baby Bundle” this Friday via Atlantic.
Kallman got his start in the industry after founding Big Beat out of his bedroom in 1987. He joined Atlantic as a VP in 1991, and became co-president of the label in 2002. By 2005, he had become chairman and CEO of the company, signing and developing artists including Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Cardi B and many others.
In Sept. 2024, Kallman was named chief music officer under Atlantic Music Group as part of a new leadership structure that saw the departure of longtime chief Julie Greenwald and the arrival of the new CEO Elliot Grainge. Kallman spent the last year developing Atlantic’s roster of artists including Lizzo, Lil Uzi Vert, Janelle Monae and more.
“I’m deeply grateful for my time at Atlantic, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the careers of so many remarkable artists,” said Kallman in a release. “It’s been great seeing Elliot take the helm and open a bold new chapter in the label’s illustrious history. I am excited to take on this new role and work alongside our outstanding A&R teams around the world, while reimagining the Big Beat brand as a force across genres. As my first signing, Elkan is a statement of intent, which underscores my commitment to nurture and champion extraordinary, trailblazing talent.”
“Craig has helped shape the sound and direction of modern music, leaving a lasting imprint on artists, fans, and the industry at large,” added Kyncl. “With decades of experience working at the highest level with the biggest stars, he will be an invaluable creative force and deep resource in his new post…helping drive and support A&R strategy and artist development across WMG, signing exciting new talent, and collaborating with our label leaders to bring bold, original music to the world.”
