Ann Sweeney Named Executive Vice President for Warner/Chappell Music
To her new role, Sweeney brings more than 18 years of experience in the music publishing industry, including legal and business affairs, digital strategies and identifying and acquiring major music catalogs. At Warner/Chappell Music, her primary responsibilities include overseeing worldwide digital revenue, working closely with other senior management executives in identifying and executing U.S.-based catalog acquisitions as well as legislative and other music publishing industry issues. In addition, Sweeney will also work with WMG's Digital Strategy and Business Development team and recorded music labels in expanding Warner/Chappell's efforts in new media and digital music.
"As Warner/Chappell continues to seek out new revenue streams and maximize existing ones, we will be broadening the scope of our digital strategies and deepening the relationships we have with both our digital partners and with our more traditional music publishing partners," said Dave Johnson. "Ann's experience in these areas will help us boost the value of our existing catalog and greatly enhance our ability to identify and acquire major music catalogs."
"I am thrilled to be joining such a wonderful team at an exciting time in the music publishing industry," said Ann Sweeney. "Warner/Chappell has a world-class catalog, first-rate artist roster and a forward-thinking digital strategy. I look forward to contributing my skills as the company continues its innovation and leadership in the dynamic digital arena and traditional publishing business as well."
Prior to joining WCM, Sweeney spent seven years as the Senior Vice President of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, where she oversaw the company's worldwide legal and business affairs, coordinated litigation, copyright, and legislative strategies and established legal and business policies to implement evolving digital distribution methods. Sweeney also played an instrumental role in Sony/ATV's acquisition of the Acuff-Rose, Leiber Stoller, and Famous Music catalogs, among others.
From 1998 through 2000, Sweeney served as the Vice President of New Technology and Business Development for Sony Music's Digital Media Group, working to develop Sony Music's early digital strategies and legislative posture, and investing in and incubating start-up technology companies.
Between 1992 and 1998, Sweeney served as Counsel, Senior Counsel, and then Vice President of Sony Music's Legal Affairs department, where she drafted and negotiated major recording, publishing, and corporate deals.
Before joining Sony, Sweeney served as Director of Business Affairs for three years at Chrysalis Music Group (later EMI Record Group N.A.), where she was responsible for both publishing and label work.
She started her music career working in a law firm representing SBK Entertainment World Inc., drafting publishing agreements and assisting in the sale of SBK to EMI Music Publishing.
Sweeney received her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Vermont and a J.D. from New York University School of Law.
About Warner/Chappell Music
Warner/Chappell Music is WMG's award-winning global music publishing company. The Warner/Chappell Music catalog includes standards such as "Happy Birthday To You," "Rhapsody in Blue," "Winter Wonderland," the songs of Cole Porter and George and Ira Gershwin, as well as the music of Dido, Dr. Dre, Eric Clapton, Green Day, Led Zeppelin, Madonna, Nickelback, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sheryl Crow, T.I. and others. Warner/Chappell Music is a leader in creating innovative strategies for marketing and promoting its songwriters and their music. The company's extensive catalog makes it a natural first stop for A&R executives and record producers, feature film and television production companies, and others looking to record or license some of the world's greatest music.