Published: September 29, 2026 · 1:24 AM EDT
The executive who helped break One Direction, Leona Lewis and Little Mix will take over in January 2027 and oversee Warner’s recorded music and ADA operations
Warner Music Group has appointed Sonny Takhar as Chairman and CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland, with the veteran music executive scheduled to take up the role in January 2027.
Takhar will oversee creative direction, artist development and strategic operations across Warner’s recorded music business in the UK and Ireland. His responsibilities will also include operational oversight of ADA, Warner Music Group’s independent distribution and artist-services operation, in both markets.
He will report to Val Blavatnik, who was recently appointed Managing Director of Warner Music North America, UK & Corporate Development. Takhar will also work closely with Atlantic Music Group Chairman and CEO Elliot Grainge and Warner Records Group Chairman and CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck as Warner continues to strengthen coordination between its major UK and U.S. labels.
Read: Warner Music Group Reshuffles Global Leadership: Val Blavatnik Takes North America and UK Role, Elliot Grainge Adds ADA
Takhar was a founding partner of Syco Entertainment, where Warner says he oversaw a roster that generated more than 400 million record sales, 244 No. 1 albums and 169 No. 1 singles worldwide. During his time at Syco, he played a role in developing artists including One Direction, Leona Lewis, Little Mix, Labrinth, James Arthur and Fifth Harmony, while also helping launch the global television franchises The X Factor and Got Talent.
More recently, Takhar co-founded Los Angeles-based KYN Entertainment in a joint venture with Live Nation, working across recorded music, publishing and management. His career has also included work with Westlife and songwriter-producer Steve Mac.
The appointment follows a broader restructuring of Warner Music Group’s recorded music leadership announced on September 25. That reorganization placed Blavatnik in his new North America and UK role, expanded Elliot Grainge’s responsibilities to include ADA in the United States and elevated Alejandro Duque to President of Warner Music International.
Takhar said his aim at Warner Music UK & Ireland will be to build an artist-centered organization capable of developing long-term global careers while drawing on his experience across labels, management, publishing and touring.
Watch One Direction’s official “What Makes You Beautiful” music video, from one of the global acts Sonny Takhar helped develop during his Syco years, below:
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
IMAGE CREDIT: Warner Music Group.
