Warner Music Group has unveiled former Disney exec Bryan Castellani as executive vp and chief financial officer.
He will join the music major with Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa in its talent roster Oct. 16 and is set to replace Eric Levin. The longtime CFO will remain with WMG until the end of 2023 before retiring to ensure a smooth transition.
Castellani worked for over 20 years at The Walt Disney Co., most recently as CFO for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. Based in New York, he will report to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl during a pivotal time for the music entertainment industry.
“Bryan has wide-ranging experience helping one of the world’s most impactful creative enterprises build long-term value and unlock new global possibilities. 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,” Kyncl said in a statement.
Castellani joins the company as it continues to seek increases in monthly fees for music subscription services, while the music major innovates with new artificial intelligence tools.
“I’m delighted to be joining WMG at such an exciting and pivotal time for the company and the music industry. Music is a powerful global force, unconstrained by any specific model or format, and has significant business upside,” Castellani said in his own statement.
Before serving as CFO for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, Castellani was executive vp of finance for Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, and before that was executive vp and CFO of ESPN.