Industry veteran Michael LoBiondo has joined Warner Chappell Music as head of business development, the company announced on Wednesday. Based in Los Angeles and reporting to CEO Guy Moot and global CFO David Woirhaye, LoBiondo’s role will include identifying and executing acquisitions and partnerships for the publisher’s songwriters and song catalog.
LoBiondo most recently worked at artist development company mtheory, whose roster includes A$AP Rocky, Twenty One Pilots and Major Lazer. Prior to mtheory, he spent a number of years as senior director at WCM’s parent, Warner Music Group, where he supported the 2013 acquisition of Parlophone Label Group and a number of Series A music technology investments. He began his career as an analyst at Goldman Sachs.
“Michael brings with him a wealth of experience in music and business development from both the recorded and publishing sides of the business,” said Moot and COO Carianne Marshall in a joint statement. “With music becoming increasingly more global, his wide-ranging expertise will be instrumental in helping us execute big picture deals such as catalog acquisitions and partnerships with emerging technology companies.”
LoBiondo added, “Warner Chappell is committed to building long-term value for its songwriters while fostering a collaborative, forward-thinking culture for its team. With increased activity around catalog acquisitions and new digital platform licensing, the company is ideally positioned to further capitalize on opportunities in the market and I’m excited to contribute to the growth of the company.”
LoBiondo arrives at a time of accelerated growth for Warner Chappell, which saw its revenues grow 15.7% to $192 million during its second fiscal quarter.
