Veteran music executive Alain Lanceron has been named chairman emeritus of Warner Classics & Erato.
Lanceron has worked for EMI Classics and Warner Classics for more than five decades, and headed the classical division of Warner Music Group for the last 12 years. The new appointment is effective January 1, 2026.
At the same time, it was announced that David Bither, president of WMG’s Nonesuch Records label, will expand his role to add oversight of Warner Classics & Erato to his responsibilities.
In addition, longstanding label executive Markus Petersen has been promoted to the new role of executive vice president & general manager, Warner Classics.
“Warner Classics & Erato possess a distinctive and powerful legacy with a classical music roster and catalogue that spans the classical canon and includes many of the world’s most acclaimed orchestras, conductors, soloists, and chamber ensembles,” said a statement.
In 2026, Warner Classics & Erato will release new recordings by Eric Lu, Jakub Józef Orlinski, Fatma Said, Fazil Say, Bertrand Chamayou, Daniel Lozakovich, Christina Pluhar, Quatuor Ébène, Riopy, and many more, while also continuing the revitalisation of its classical catalogue.
Alain Lanceron said: “It has been the greatest honour of my life to lead Warner Classics and Erato for the past 11 years. Working with so many brilliant and talented artists to both revitalise and premiere some of the greatest music ever created has been a dream come true. While I am stepping back from the day-to-day management to pursue other interests, I look forward to working closely with David, Markus, our great artists and wonderful team on the label’s strategic future.”
It has been the greatest honour of my life to lead Warner Classics and Erato for the past 11 years
Alain Lanceron
David Bither said: “Alain has made outstanding contributions to the vitality of not only Warner Classics but the broader classical universe, and I know I will be drawing on his insight and support in his new role. I’d also like to congratulate Markus on his new post.
“We live in an era where classical composers and performers take inspiration from a wide range of musical influences. We look forward to bringing music both contemporary and historic to global audiences as we expand upon the rich history of Warner Classics.”
The Warner Classics & Erato catalog features works by artists such as Maria Callas, Jacqueline du Pré, Nigel Kennedy, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Herbert von Karajan and the Berliner Philharmoniker.
Its current roster includes Joyce DiDonato, Philippe Jaroussky, Pene Pati, Emmanuel Pahud, Alexandre Tharaud, Sir Antonio Pappano, Jakub Józef Orlinski and Gautier Capuçon.
Lanceron was named president of Warner Classics & Erato in 2014, following WMG’s acquisition of Parlophone Label Group, which included the EMI Classics and Virgin Classics label. He previously served as president of Virgin Classics and director of EMI Classics France.
David Bither was named co-president of Nonesuch Records in 2016 and became the sole President the following year. He joined the label in 1995 as senior vice president and has since played a key role in guiding the label’s A&R direction.
Markus Petersen joined EMI Classics in 2009 and was promoted to SVP, global operations and business development when the label became part of Warner Music Group in 2013. He previously held posts at Naxos, Universal Music Group, and PolyGram International, in addition to heading his own music and digital distribution consultancy firm.
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