Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl was joined by Lisa Yang, EVP, global head of strategy, for a keynote event at the Amplify Music Investment Summit at Virgin Hotels, New York City.
Amplify 2026’s keynote conversation, moderated by CNBC anchor Jon Fortt, explored the strategic future of the modern music label.
Kyncl has recently outlined his growth strategy for Warner Music, which includes the “significant opportunity” for AI. The major has been actively licensing its catalogue with AI firms including Suno and Udio.
During the Amplify Music Investment Summit, Warner Music’s leaders again embraced AI as a value creator for the sector.
Reflecting the industry’s uncertain response a couple of decades ago to the dawn of the digital and streaming era, Kyncl urged fellow leaders to proactively embrace generative tech.
The Warner executives view AI as a transformative tool that will increase the value of IP, with the proviso that the right commercial frameworks must be established.
“I cannot stress more what an incredible value creation opportunity AI is for us,” said Robert Kyncl. “It’s just very transformative, so we have to do it right.”
We do daring things that other companies will not do
Robert Kyncl
While streaming has created many more opportunities for artists and labels, the volume of content creates a bottleneck for artist discovery.
“I like to say that in a world where everyone can publish, no one can be heard,” said Kyncl.
“You’re going to see a divergence of performance between the larger companies, those who have scale... and those who haven’t invested in the tech,” said Lisa Yang.
Warner Music Group’s leadership outlined an investment strategy that prioritises local repertoire with global export potential, backed by data-driven decision-making.
“Every time there is a new platform, we license our work to them, to ensure that it is protected and we get our fair share,” said Yang.
Following the streamlining process at Warner Music globally, Kyncl identified their corporate culture – including a willingness to take risks – as a structural advantage.
“Our most undervalued asset is our mindset,” he said. “We do daring things that other companies will not do.”
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