Billboard's Hannah Karp Joins Warner Music Group as EVP and Chief Comms Officer

Warner Music Group has nabbed Billboard's Editor-in-Chief Hannah Karp as its new EVP and Chief Communications Officer.

Effective January 26th, Karp will replace James Steven, who departed for Universal Music Group last month. Steven had been with WMG since 2007, where he joined as part of the company's international commuications team based in London. He relocated to New York five years later and because Chief Communications Officer - a role he sustained for a dozen years.

Karp will be based in New Year and will report directly to CEO Robert Kyncl.

Per Variety, Karp will spearhead WMG’s global communications and brand marketing strategies, manage all internal and external messaging, and oversee the company’s philanthropic efforts and special events.

"Hannah’s expert insights, sharp instincts, and innovative approach to storytelling make her the ideal leader to help shape and communicate our future-focused vision during a time of rapid and dynamic evolution," Kyncl said of her appointment.

"She is widely respected across the business and creative communities, bringing invaluable relationships and a broad perspective shaped by over two decades at the center of the music and media conversation. We’re very happy to welcome her to WMG.”

She joins WMG after eight years with Billboard, first as News Director, before being elevated to Editor-in-Chief in 2018. She previously spent 13 years as a staff reporter at the Wall Street Journal, where she covered the music industry as well as beats ranging from sports and travel to economics.

Billboard has announced that Leila Cobo and Jason Lipshutz have been elevated to Co-Chief Content Officers, overseeing all editorial operations as Karp departs. The pair report to Billboard CEO Mike Van.