WMG TAPS DISNEY EXEC FOR CFO ROLE

Bryan Castellani is joining Warner Music Group as EVP and CFO, replacing longtime CFO Eric Levin, who is retiring in January.

Castellani, who has spent more than two decades at The Walt Disney Co., most recently as CFO for Disney Entertainment & ESPN, starts on 10/16. He will report to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl.

“Bryan has wide-ranging experience helping one of the world’s most impactful creative enterprises build long-term value and unlock new global possibilities,” Kyncl said. “A dynamic, operational CFO, he’ll be an excellent addition to our executive leadership team as we grow the WMG of the future for the benefit of our artists, songwriters, investors, employees and partners.”

“Music is a powerful global force, unconstrained by any specific model or format and has significant business upside,” Castellani said. “Robert’s vision for differentiating WMG is inspiring, and I’m looking forward to working with the leadership and finance teams to take the company to the next level in a rapidly evolving landscape.”

During his tenure at The Walt Disney Co., Castellani was EVP of Finance for Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, EVP & CFO of ESPN, SVP of Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis and SVP of Operations, Business Planning & Strategy for ABC News. He started with Disney in 1995 as a financial analyst for The Disney Store.

Levin is staying on to ensure a smooth transition before retiring.

“I’d also like to express our gratitude to Eric for his near decade of service at WMG,” Kyncl said. “He’ll leave with our deepest respect for his many contributions during an extraordinary period of growth that included WMG’s global expansion, numerous major acquisitions and a successful IPO. We wish him all the best.”