Warner Music Group Corp. has appointed Rob Wiesenthal to the new position of COO/Corporate of WMG, effective January 1. Wiesenthal will be based in New York and report directly to WMG CEO Steve Cooper, CEO. All other reporting relationships at the company remain unchanged. As a member of WMG’s senior management team, Wiesenthal’s responsibilities will include global corporate development across WMG’s recorded music and music publishing operations, identifying new business models and helping to drive growth through key investments and acquisitions. Wiesenthal will also provide occasional advice to Access Industries, WMG’s parent company, on media and technology opportunities.

"There are few media and technology executives of Rob’s stature and expertise," said Cooper. "His commercial acumen, commitment to innovation and wide-ranging experience make him a superb addition to our talented management team. Rob will be a valuable resource as we enhance and grow our position as a progressive music company."

"I’m thrilled to join Warner Music at this exciting time for both the company and the industry. Throughout my career I’ve worked closely with media and entertainment executives in helping them identify new ways to enhance their business and to find opportunities for growth, including developing and executing innovative business models," said Wiesenthal. "Atlantic Records, Warner Bros. Records and Warner/Chappell are among the most respected brands in music, with exceptional recording artists, songwriters and employees. It is an honor to join an organization with such incredible heritage, which is defining a new kind of music company with an entrepreneurial and creative spirit. I can’t wait to get started."

Wiesenthal joins WMG from Sony Corporation where he has served in various leadership roles including EVP/CFO of Sony Corporation of America; EVP/Chief Strategy Officer, Sony Entertainment Inc.; and Group Executive, Sony Corporation. He was also a member of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Operating Committee and sat on the Board of Directors for Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Ericsson. He was responsible for all financial aspects of Sony Corporation of America across its entertainment companies, and led Sony’s corporate development and mergers and acquisitions efforts.