Warner Music Group executive Ernst Trapp is stepping down from his dual role of president of global e-commerce, retail and licensing at the label group, and as CEO of specialty online retailer EMP at the end of the month. “Now is the right time for me to move on and pursue new opportunities,” Trapp said.
EMP is a European specialty music and entertainment merchandise e-tailer, and was acquired by WMG in 2018 — five years after Trapp joined the Lingen, Germany-based firm as CEO. It has since operated as a standalone unit led by Trapp, who has worked with Twenty One Pilots, Panic! At the Disco, Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, and major brands like Disney and Marvel. Under his stewardship, EMP has launched a network of websites that currently serves 18 countries and millions of customers, the company said.
Following its 2018 acquisition and through the pandemic, EMP has operated as a standalone direct-to-fan business unit and has solidified its place as Europe’s leading specialist music e-tailer. Under Trapp, the company has grown its apparel business through the introduction of a broad range of third party streetwear brands. He was promoted to president of global e-commerce, retail and licensing of WMG in 2021, leading global efforts like direct-to-consumer sales and artist webstores as a member of the leadership team at commercial services and marketing network WMX (formerly WEA).
“I want to pay tribute to Ernst for his incredible leadership at EMP and the contribution he’s made more widely to WMX and Warner Music Group,” said Maria Weaver, president of WMX. “He’s always understood the key role merch can play in helping nurture the relationship between artists and fans. I’d like to wish him all the very best in his next adventures.”
Jan Fischer, CFO and COO of EMP, will help lead the company until a new CEO is appointed.
