Warner’s EMP exit, leadership moves at amra, UMG and WMG promotions, and Avex increases stake in S10: MBW’s Weekly Round-Up

amra leadership change: Ericsson to chairman, Davies to CEO

Tomas Ericsson will step down as CEO of amra effective January 1, 2027, after more than a decade in the role. He will become chairman of the board. Robin Davies, currently amra's COO, is lined up to succeed Ericsson as CEO. The move keeps executive continuity in place while changing operational leadership.

Universal Music Group promoted Frank Briegmann to Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Deutsche Grammophon. Briegmann had been Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon and will continue to report to Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group. The promotion expands Briegmann's regional remit across multiple markets and Deutsche Grammophon.

Warner appoints Sonny Takhar to lead UK & Ireland

Sonny Takhar has been named Chairman and CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland, with the role effective January 2027. Takhar will oversee creative direction, artist development, and strategic operations across Warner's recorded music footprint in the UK and Ireland. He will report to Val Blavatnik, who was recently confirmed in a new role as Managing Director of Warner Music North America, UK & Corporate Development.

Avex ups stake in S10 Entertainment

• amra's succession plan keeps institutional knowledge while installing its COO as CEO, a common model for stabilizing operational transition.
• Universal's and Warner's regional leadership changes concentrate strategic authority under executives with expanded geographic remit, which can accelerate cross-market coordination.
• Avex's increasing control of S10 points to continued consolidation by international entertainment companies in talent-management and services businesses.

• Warner sold EMP this week (publication date Oct 2, 2026).

• Frank Briegmann's promotion was announced October 1, 2026.
• Sonny Takhar will take up his role in January 2027.
• Avex's increase to 85% ownership in S10 was announced this week.

The week's moves are operational and executive rather than headline-making M&A or legal actions. Expect tighter strategic alignment in Universal and Warner regional leadership, a completed divestment of a non-core retail asset for Warner, an orderly leadership shift at amra, and deeper Japanese investment in a U.S. management firm through Avex's stake in S10.