Warner Chappell Music has launched direct operations in India.
“This strategic move marks a transition from WCM’s previous sub-publishing model to a full-scale, direct-to-market presence, offering Indian songwriters unprecedented access to the company’s global creative network and rights management infrastructure,” said a statement.
Jay Mehta (pictured), who has served as managing director of Warner Music India since its launch in 2020, has been appointed to lead the new division now encompassing publishing. In this expanded role, Mehta will oversee both recorded music and publishing operations across India and neighbouring South Asian markets.
“This unified leadership structure allows WMG to provide a seamless, holistic ecosystem for creators, spanning both master recordings and compositions,” said the statement.
Mehta will report jointly to Guy Moot, co-chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, and Lo Ting-Fai (Lofai), president, Warner Music APAC.
According to recent CISAC data, domestic creator collections in India saw a 42% year-on-year increase in 2024. India now ranks as the world’s 15th largest recorded music market according to the global trade body IFPI.
India’s domestic music landscape is diversifying. While Bollywood soundtracks once represented 80% of digital consumption, they now account for less than half, as independent and non-film music expands its presence in the market. Domestic repertoire accounts for 89% of all music streaming in the country, at a time when the format is shifting from an advertising-supported basis to a paid subscription model.
To support this growth, WCM India songwriters will have exclusive access to the state-of-the-art studios within the company’s Mumbai headquarters.
By moving to direct operations, WCM will provide its international roster and local signees with creative and rights management services, enhanced digital licensing capabilities, and a dedicated on-the-ground team in Mumbai.
India is a key part of our global growth strategy, and the talent emerging there is truly world-class
Robert Kyncl
For the first time, Indian songwriters and catalogue partners will also have full access to WCM’s proprietary technology and administration infrastructure. This includes Global Match, WCM’s AI-driven royalty matching tool, the Client Portal for real-time visibility into earnings and catalogue performance, and Pulse, WCM’s client app developed in partnership with songwriters.
“Together, these tools represent a step change in the level of transparency, accuracy, and sophistication available to creators in the Indian market,” added the statement.
Jay Mehta, managing director, Recorded Music and Publishing, India and SAARC, WMG, said: "India’s songwriters are world-class, constantly redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries. By establishing a direct footprint for Warner Chappell, we’re bridging the gap between local brilliance and global opportunity. We’re now positioned to offer Indian creators the sophisticated resources and international reach that only a world-leading publisher can provide, ensuring their music resonates on a global stage."
Guy Moot, co-chair and CEO, and Carianne Marshall, co-chair and COO of Warner Chappell Music, said: "India has some of the most talented songwriters in the world, and they are increasingly making their mark globally. What excites us most about this move is not just the expansion of our presence, but the opportunity to help shape an evolving publishing ecosystem that truly works for creators and ensures their music is heard, protected, and rewarded everywhere. With Jay Mehta at the helm and our global team behind him, our songwriters couldn’t be in better hands.”
Robert Kyncl, CEO of WMG, added: “India is a key part of our global growth strategy, and the talent emerging there is truly world-class. By bringing our publishing and recorded music operations under Jay Mehta’s proven leadership, we’re creating a unified powerhouse that can better serve creators and fans alike. This is the right moment to double down on our investment in India’s vibrant creative economy."
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