Leading exec Mark Fry has been promoted to president of Warner Music Nordics.
Stockholm-based Fry (pictured) was most recently VP of Warner Music Nordics, as well as MD of Warner Music Finland. An announcement about his successor in Finland will be made shortly.
Mark was the clear and obvious choice to take over this important role
Stu Bergen, Warner Music
Warner Music’s CEO, International, and global commercial services Stu Bergen said: “Mark was the clear and obvious choice to take over this important role. Under his expert leadership, Warner Finland has reigned as the No. 1 music company in the country. Mark’s a trailblazer by nature, and he’s as committed to raising up the next generation of executives as he is to the development of new superstars. With him at the helm, working with our talented teams across the Nordics, we’re positioned to grow our reputation as a beacon of innovation and artistry."
It has also been announced that three-decade music business veteran Jonas Siljemark will be retiring after 18 years at the helm of Warner Music Nordics, where he spearheaded the company’s transformation during the streaming era. Siljemark will leave the company at the end of the year, working alongside Fry to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
"On behalf of everyone at Warner, I’d like to thank Jonas for his many years of outstanding service to our artists, our company and our business," added Bergen. "A passionate music fan, transformational exec, and inspiring leader, Jonas has helped us thrive at the fast-moving intersection of creativity and technology. A warm and gracious human being, he’s also a valued colleague and great friend to people all over our industry.”
Siljemark said: “After nearly two decades with Warner Music, it’s time for a change. I want to express my deep gratitude to our magnificent artists and my phenomenal team across the Nordics for their wonderful support over the years. I also want to thank Stu and the rest of the leadership at WMG for encouraging me to stay true to my entrepreneurial spirit by growing our business through innovative artist signings and M&As, and being at the forefront of the digital revolution.
“I know that the Nordic region will be in great hands with my partner Mark Fry. We had a great ride together, and I’m sure the pace will continue to increase under his expert guidance. Meanwhile, I’ll be expanding my activities as an angel investor, supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs, while also caring for our newly built beach lodge in Zante, Greece.”
Fry began his career at Warner Music Finland in 1997, rising through the ranks to become head of promotion. He left Warner in 2001 to found Miidia, a digital rights management company, and subsequently joined Sony Music Finland as marketing director in 2004. Fry returned to Warner Music Finland in 2008, becoming MD in 201 and VP of Warner Music Nordics last year.
Fry added: “I’m honoured to be succeeding Jonas, whose contributions to the growth of the music business in the Nordics are unparalleled. Our region and our company are leading the industry’s streaming transformation, and we’ll continue to make bold, inventive moves to make our stars and their music impossible to ignore. I look forward to collaborating even more closely with our global leadership team and my colleagues across this dynamic region. We’ve all the ingredients for strong, sustained success - an amazing team, brilliant artists, and a growing universe of opportunity.”
