Warner Music Group has launched Warner Music Middle East, which will be headed up by Moe Hamzeh as managing director.
The new launch will cover 17 markets ranging across the Middle East and North Africa. Operating out of Beirut, the company aims to build its roster of Arabic artists and repertoire as well as developing the marketing and promotion of WMG’s international artists.
“I’m honoured to be joining Warner at this pivotal moment in the expansion of the market in the Middle East and North Africa,” said Hamzeh. “We can now reach and draw in a huge number of fans across the region, enabling us to develop careers for local talent, as well as creating new opportunities for our established artists.”
Hamzeh has been working in the music industry since 1998, taking on a number of roles ranging from label manager to overseeing WMG’s marketing and distribution for Lebanon, as well as founding his own indie label and publisher.
Chris Ancliff, WMG’s EVP said: “Moe has invaluable experience working with local and international artists in the Middle East and North Africa. Under his leadership, we plan to pioneer the growth of the music business in some of the world’s most creatively vital and commercially dynamic emerging markets.
“This launch of a new regional office is part of our commitment to building our local expertise worldwide and delivering maximum global impact for our artists.”
Warner Music Middle East will cover Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
By Sarah Thomas
