Jim Roppo Named Vice Chairman of Warner Records Group
Warner Records Group has named Jim Roppo as Vice Chairman, hiring the former Chairman and CEO of Republic Records to help run its labels. The appointment was announced on Wednesday, October 14, according to Music Business Worldwide. He will report to Chairman and CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck.
He will be based in Los Angeles. In the new post he will oversee operations across Warner Records Group's labels, meaning the day-to-day running of the imprints that sign and release music.
Roppo joins from rival Universal Music Group. He spent nearly three decades there. His most recent job was Chairman and CEO of Republic Records.
His time at Republic began in 2012. He arrived as executive vice-president for marketing and commerce, a role covering promotion, sales and retail partnerships. He became executive vice-president and general manager in 2018.
He was named Co-President alongside Wendy Goldstein in November 2021. In March 2024 he became President and chief operating officer of Republic Corps, now known as Republic Collective. That group includes Republic, Island, Def Jam and Mercury. He was then named Chairman and CEO of Republic Records in 2025.
The change happened fast. His departure from Republic was announced only hours before Warner confirmed his new title, according to Variety.
What makes this stand out is the direct move between major music groups. Universal, Sony and Warner are the three large record companies, and senior executives rarely switch from one to another at this level.
