Craig Kallman appointed Chief Music Officer at Warner Music Group

WMG said the role will see Kallman apply his “deep A&R expertise” across the company’s global artist roster and label group. The appointment follows nearly 35 years at Atlantic Records, where he served as Chairman and CEO for two decades before becoming Chief Music Officer at Atlantic Music Group in 2024.

Kallman will also continue signing artists to Big Beat, the label he founded in 1987, which has been part of WMG since 1991. Under the revised structure, each Big Beat signing will be supported by one of WMG’s US labels, Atlantic Records or Warner Records. His first signing in the new role is producer and artist Elkan, known for co-producing Drake and PartyNextDoor’s track NOKIA. Elkan’s debut EP, The Baby Bundle, will be released on 12 December via Atlantic Records.

Kyncl said: “Craig has helped shape the sound and direction of modern music, leaving a lasting imprint on artists, fans, and the industry at large. 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.”

Kallman said he was “deeply grateful” for his time at Atlantic. “I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the careers of so many remarkable artists. It’s been great seeing Elliot [Grainge] take the helm and open a bold new chapter in the label’s illustrious history,” he said.

“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.”

Long career at Atlantic Records

WMG described Kallman as a long-standing creative driver at Atlantic, noting his contributions to artists including Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Death Cab For Cutie, Lizzo, Wiz Khalifa, Kodak Black, Shinedown, Lil Uzi Vert and Janelle Monáe. He has also overseen major soundtrack successes, including Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman.

Kallman’s production credits include co-producing Cardi B’s chart-topping I Like It, the first track by a female rapper to surpass one billion Spotify streams.

He entered the music industry in the 1980s as a Manhattan DJ before establishing Big Beat Records in 1987. After joining Atlantic in 1991, he signed and developed artists such as Aaliyah, P.O.D., Brandy and Timbaland. In 2002, he oversaw a partnership between Atlantic and VP Records, leading to the release of Sean Paul’s Grammy-winning Dutty Rock.

Kallman became Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Records Group in 2005, the year WMG listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Approach to artist development

In a 2016 interview marking his 25th anniversary at Atlantic, Kallman emphasised the importance of stability and trust in A&R leadership. “Artists sign to people who believe in them, and they want to know you’re going to be there to fulfil the dreams you’re promising them,” he said. “You can’t do that if you’re jumping around to the next company for a bigger payday.”

He described Atlantic’s A&R approach as collaborative rather than competitive. “Everyone helps and contributes to each other’s records,” he said.

Kallman is also known for maintaining a vinyl collection of more than 2.2 million recordings. Speaking to Atlantic’s blog, he said his interest in vinyl stemmed from its “superior sound quality”. “Listening to something on vinyl or hi-res can be a real revelation,” he said. “The enjoyment I get from vinyl or hi-res recordings led naturally to my pursuit of striving for sonic excellence in all our artists’ recordings.”