Howard Corner, ADA’s EMEA head. Photo Credit: Warner Music
Warner Music Group (WMG) has unveiled “a major strategic expansion” at ADA, complete with a new leadership structure and the integration of Revelator’s tech. Meanwhile, Africori and Qanawat are set to begin operating under the ADA banner.
WMG disclosed the changes in a formal release this morning, about three months following its buyout of Revelator. Now, ADA is poised to “fully integrate with the proprietary technology” of the recently acquired distribution and rights management platform, with an emphasis on prioritizing “next-generation data transparency and operational efficiency.”
Though time will reveal what this comprehensive integration looks like in practice, ADA is also preparing to “align its regional distributors” under the umbrella. Specifically, the approaching months will see Africori (which WMG acquired last year) and Qanawat (part of the major since 2022) rebrand as ADA x Africori and ADA x Qanawat Music, respectively.
Back to the above-mentioned leadership side, Howard Corner has stepped into the newly created role of head of ADA for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) – a position he’ll tackle while remaining ADA UK’s MD.
Among other things, London-based Corner will be responsible for bolstering ADA’s regional presence and “recruiting top executive talent,” Warner Music noted.
“The EMEA landscape is teeming with brilliant independent talent and entrepreneurial labels looking for a partner that can scale their vision globally without sacrificing local agility,” added Corner, who’s said to have “driven substantial growth for” ADA UK.
“I’m incredibly excited to step into this regional role and work alongside our exceptional territory heads to elevate ADA’s offering. By integrating Revelator’s game-changing technology and officially welcoming ADA x Africori and ADA x Qanawat Music into the family, we’re creating an unmatched, tech-driven partner for the independent community,” he concluded.
And in remarks of his own, WMG’s president of recorded music for EMEA, Simon Robson, touted Corner’s “proven track record” and touched on bigger-picture plans “to redefine what a global music partner can look like.”
“To supercharge the momentum of our artist and label services business, we’re bringing in a seasoned leader who deeply understands the nuances of the indie ecosystem,” said Robson, to whom Corner will report.
“Howard’s proven track record, fierce commercial drive, and profound respect for independent music culture make him the ideal exec to support our local teams and drive regional growth. Armed with Revelator’s cutting-edge platform, Howard and the team are perfectly positioned to redefine what a global music partner can look like,” he finished.