Edwin Schröter promoted to CEO at [PIAS], as co-founder Kenny Gates becomes Executive Chairman

Edwin Schröter has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of [PIAS] Label Group, with company co-founder Kenny Gates becoming Executive Chairman.

Schröter, who has been with [PIAS] for more than 25 years, was previously Group Managing Director for the [PIAS] Group, where he oversaw both the [PIAS] Label Group and Integral Distribution Services.

The leadership “evolution” will see Gates take on the newly created Executive Chairman role at [PIAS], continuing to guide the business at a strategic level while working closely with Schröter, the board and the wider executive team.

The announcement comes after Integral Distribution Services was combined with Virgin Music Group following Universal Music Group’s acquisition of [PIAS] in 2024.

[PIAS] says the merger, which brought together global distribution operations, will enable it to “move forward exclusively as a music-led, artist-first label group with an emphasis on long-term career development”.

“[PIAS] has always been a truly music-first company, created by two visionary entrepreneurs.”

Edwin Schröter

Commenting on his appointment, Schröter said: “[PIAS] has always been a truly music-first company, created by two visionary entrepreneurs whose drive and commitment to artist, labels and their teams still inspire us every day.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent 25 years of my career here, working alongside one of the best teams in our industry and serving the exceptional artists and labels we have been privileged to support.”

Added Schröter: “I’m excited to step into this role, continuing to work closely with Kenny in leading the company, as [PIAS] re-positions itself as an autonomous label group.

“With renewed focus and ambition, we will continue to build on [PIAS]’ extraordinary legacy, growing a thriving business and a premier home for exceptional artists from around the world.”

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Edwin and the wider leadership team as [PIAS] grows and evolves.”

KENNY GATES

Gates, who founded [PIAS] alongside Michel Lambot in Brussels, Belgium, in 1982, said the transition reflected “clarity of focus and long-term continuity” for the business.

“It is a well-deserved promotion for an exceptional executive who has been for years a key to the success and the changes that we have seen and enjoyed during the last couple of decades,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Edwin and the wider leadership team as [PIAS] grows and evolves, while staying true to the values that have defined the company since its foundation. [PIAS] has always been built on creative independence, long-term thinking and close collaboration.”

The leadership changes also follow the recent retirement of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer Nick Hartley, with Aubry Caeymeax announced as his successor as CFO.Music Business Worldwide