James Steven Stepping Down as Warner Music’s Chief Communications Officer, Read His Farewell Note

James Steven, the Executive Vice President and long-serving Chief Communications Officer for Warner Music Group (WMG), is departing from his role. Although his next position has not been formally announced, industry sources indicate he is expected to assume a comparable leadership post at Universal Music Group. This move would see him reunite with Will Tanous, his former superior during his tenure at Warner.

A native of the U.K., Steven began his career in public relations and marketing agencies before joining WMG's London-based international communications team in 2007. He transferred to the company's New York headquarters five years later and was promoted to Chief Communications Officer in 2013 following Tanous's exit. Over the subsequent twelve years, he guided the label's global messaging strategy with a consistent blend of empathy and humor, navigating pivotal industry shifts including the rise of streaming, a global pandemic, Warner's own initial public offering, and the recent emergence of artificial intelligence in music.

In a heartfelt farewell note to colleagues, Steven reflected on the inspirations behind his career. He cited music industry legend Jac Holzman—the founder of iconic labels like Elektra and Nonesuch—as a defining influence. "Jac isn't just someone I admire — he's an idea. An idea of what music people can be," Steven wrote, echoing Holzman's own credo: "Look after the music, and the music will look after you."

Steven expressed profound gratitude for his teams and leaders at Warner, including his five direct bosses and the board of directors. He reserved special praise for his communications team, noting their collective talent and judgment. "You help shape how Warner shows up in the world," he stated, acknowledging the deep personal connections forged during his tenure. He concluded by signaling his ongoing commitment to the craft of storytelling in his next chapter, writing, "a strong story, told with care over time, builds belief, memory, and the accumulation of choices made in service of a shared purpose."