Isabel Garvey is to step down from her role as chief operating officer at Warner Music UK, Music Week has learned.
In an internal note seen by Music Week, Garvey told colleagues that her decision was made following the reorganisation at the major last month when Tony Harlow stepped down as CEO. In the new framework, Atlantic and Warner Records presidents report to US management, while Warner Music UK’s other teams will be overseen directly by Simon Robson, president, EMEA, Recorded Music.
Garvey, who started as COO in May 2023, will step down at the end of December.
“I’m excited by the prospect of taking on new challenges and believe that this is the right decision for me and for the company,” she wrote. “Without a COO role, and our label heads joining the global management teams of Atlantic and Warner Records, the central functions will all be led by Simon, ensuring the new structure is simple and the lines of accountability are clear.”
“I’ve really enjoyed being part of this stellar team,” added Garvey. “Through a period of significant change, I’ve been so impressed by your resilience and adaptability, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
In a separate memo seen by Music Week, Simon Robson told Warner staff: “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for her tremendous contribution to our business in the UK over recent years. Isabel shaped our approach and culture at a time of seismic change in the industry, and Warner Music has benefited enormously from her strategic thinking and fresh perspective.”
Garvey has not indicated yet what her next move is going to be. She was previously at Universal Music’s Abbey Road Studios, where she was appointed MD in 2014.
I’m excited by the prospect of taking on new challenges and believe that this is the right decision for me and for the company
Isabel Garvey
Garvey’s spell at the major came at a time of change – which continues – at Warner Music UK, as Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl implemented cuts to staffing across the business alongside investment in the business, including technology.
In the summer, Warner Music unveiled the “remaining steps” in the transformation including a further $300 million in annual costs – alongside a $1.2 billion acquisition fund with Bain Capital.
Since 2023, Garvey said there has been a “more sophisticated and strategic” approach to artist campaigns, which have included global success for Charli XCX, Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran, alongside the domestic impact for US stars such as Alex Warren, Benson Boone and Teddy Swims, plus the growth of catalogue.
Garvey’s duties as COO also saw her give evidence to MPs during the inquiry into misogyny in music.
Reflecting on her work at Warner, Garvey told colleagues: “Over the last three years, we’ve delivered more sophisticated and strategic approaches to building artist careers and brands, backed by deeper consumer insight and smarter, faster decision-making. This has helped us drive historic results for WMUK after landing a 70% share of the Top 10 singles chart earlier this year.
“And we’ve released culture-defining, chart-topping records in the UK with the likes of Alex Warren, Benson Boone, Charli XCX, Ed Sheeran, Sombr, and Teddy Swims. We’ve primed Rhino UK for future growth with a new outlook and strategy, connecting our iconic catalogue with a younger audience like never before. Together, we have navigated a tough market and punched well above our weight.”
With her interest in technology solutions for the music industry, Garvey also became a board adviser for Audoo, a music recognition technology and data company.
“Throughout my career, whether leading companies like Warner Music and Abbey Road Studios or building my own business, I’ve always loved being at the intersection of creativity and commerce,” added Garvey. “That’s where the most impactful innovation happens. And it's why, however challenging the media landscape is right now, I'm so excited about the future for everyone at WMUK and for myself as I look forward to creating a lasting impact in my next chapter.”
Looking ahead to her final months in this Q4 period, she added: “We have a lot of work to do, and I’m determined to do my part to make sure our UK artists and teams continue to thrive.”
PHOTO: Sarah Louise Bennett
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