Jim Roppo Named Vice Chair at Warner Records

Jim Roppo, the former chairman and CEO of Republic Records, has officially accepted the position of COO at Warner Records, according to multiple sources. With over 30 years of experience at Universal Music Group, Roppo has held key roles in sales, marketing, and commerce at both Island Def Jam Music Group and Republic. He moved from Island Def Jam to Republic in 2012 and was subsequently promoted to executive vp/general manager, co-president, and president/COO of Republic during his tenure.

As of 2024, he had been named chairman/CEO of Republic Records. Warner Records had not yet responded to inquiries from Billboard regarding Roppo's new role. This move comes in the wake of a recent leadership change at Warner Music Group, where Tom Corson, the previous COO, was promoted to lead the entire company, succeeding Armin Zerza.

Additionally, COO/co-chair Carianne Marshall of Warner Chappell's publishing division left the company in September. The shake-up at WMG also saw the departure of several top executives, including Ben Mortimer, Tunji Balogun, Nicole Wyskoarko, and Sam Riback from Interscope Geffen A&M, among others. UMG itself had already seen several personnel changes in the wake of its 2024 restructuring plan.

Among those leaving was Rebecca Allen, UMG U.K.'s chief artist and strategy officer, who announced her departure after a 27-year career with the company.