Warner Music Launches Warner Records Germany

Warner Music Central Europe launched its new frontline label, Warner Records Germany, on Tuesday, September 1. The Berlin-based operation will be directed by 16-year industry veteran Lea Londa.

Londa reports to Jean-Sebastien 'Seb' Permal, the Senior Vice President of A&R for EMEA and Central Europe. The company stated the new label aims to bridge the heritage of its US counterpart with the contemporary culture of the German music market.

Leadership and Vision

Lea Londa has spent over a decade at Warner in Germany, rising from Media Manager to Marketing Director. Her promotional work spans international acts like Coldplay, Enya, Ed Sheeran, and Linkin Park. Domestically, she led the campaign for Udo Lindenberg and Apache 207's record-breaking single Komet, which holds the longest-running No.1 spot in German chart history. Warner also credited her with supporting the breakthrough of Provinz and developing artist MilleniumKid.

Aaron Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson, co-leaders of Warner Records, said the launch reinforces a global commitment to creative talent. Niels Walboomers, President of Warner Music Central Europe, called it an elite, modern label model.

Londa expressed gratitude for the trust in her vision. Permal added that Londa was the clear choice to lead, citing her earned trust from artists and a sharp view of what a modern label should provide.

Strategic Context and Regional Expansion

The launch is part of a broader strategic expansion by Warner Music Group in Central Europe. Warner Records Germany joins Atlantic Records Germany, a Berlin-based frontline label launched in December 2021 with a focus on German hip-hop.

In October 2025, WMG consolidated its Benelux and GSA (Germany, Switzerland, Austria) recorded music businesses under the Warner Music Central Europe banner, led by Walboomers. According to the company, citing IFPI trade revenue figures, these six territories form the world's third-largest recorded music market after the US and Japan.

Subsequent moves included launching Spinnin' Records Germany in April 2026 and appointing Seb Permal to his new role in June 2026 after he joined from Sony Music.

International Label Network Growth

Warner Music Group has recently established several new frontline labels across Europe. The German launch is part of this international restructuring.

Warner Records is jointly led by Aaron Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson. Corson was promoted to COO of Warner Music Group in July 2026 and remains with the label during a transition period.