[PIAS] has promoted Edwin Schröter as CEO of the [PIAS] Label Group. 

Schröter, who has been with [PIAS] for more than 25 years, steps into the CEO role from his previous position as group managing director for the [PIAS] Group, where he oversaw both the [PIAS] Label Group and Integral Distribution Services. 

As part of this leadership evolution, co-founder Kenny Gates assumes the newly created role of executive chairman, continuing to guide the business at a strategic level while working closely with Schröter, the [PIAS] board and the wider executive team.

It follows a year of big changes at the former indie giant as it became part of Universal Music Group – Kenny Gates gave Music Week the inside story at the beginning of 2025.

The CEO appointment comes as [PIAS]’ Integral Distribution Services has been combined with Virgin Music Group. The move brings together the global distribution operations, enabling [PIAS] to move forward exclusively as a music-led, artist-first label group with an emphasis on long-term career development, according to the announcement.

It marks the latest evolution of the company, which was founded in Belgium in 1982.

I’m excited to step into this role, continuing to work closely with Kenny in leading the company, as [PIAS] re-positions itself as an autonomous label group

Edwin Schröter

“[PIAS] has always been a truly music-first company, created by two visionary entrepreneurs whose drive and commitment to artists, labels and their teams still inspire us every day,” said Edwin Schröter. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent 25 years of my career here, working alongside one of the best teams in our industry and serving the exceptional artists and labels we have been privileged to support. 

“I’m excited to step into this role, continuing to work closely with Kenny in leading the company, as [PIAS] re-positions itself as an autonomous label group. With renewed focus and ambition, we will continue to build on [PIAS]’ extraordinary legacy, growing a thriving business and a premier home for exceptional artists from around the world.”

This transition reflects clarity of focus and long-term continuity for the business

Kenny Gates

Kenny Gates said: “This transition reflects clarity of focus and long-term continuity for the business. It is a well deserved promotion for an exceptional executive who has been for years a key to the success and the changes  that we have seen and  enjoyed during the last couple of decades.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Edwin and the wider leadership team as [PIAS] grows and evolves, while staying true to the values that have defined the company since its foundation. [PIAS] has always been built on creative independence, long-term thinking and close collaboration.”

These leadership changes follow the recent retirement of chief financial officer and chief operations officer Nick Hartley, with Aubry Caeymaex announced as his successor as CFO.

PHOTO: (L-R) Edwin Schröter & Kenny Gates

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