MUMBAI — Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the global publishing powerhouse under Warner Music Group, officially launched its direct operations in India today. Moving away from its former sub-publishing model, the move establishes a full-scale presence designed to provide Indian songwriters direct access to international creative networks and rights management.
Unified Leadership: Jay Mehta at the Helm
Jay Mehta, the Managing Director of Warner Music India since 2020, has been appointed to lead the new division. In a strategic “unified leadership” structure, Mehta will now oversee both recorded music and publishing operations across India and the SAARC markets.
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Reporting Line: Mehta will report jointly to Guy Moot (Co-Chair and CEO, WCM) and Lo Ting-Fai (President, Warner Music APAC).
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Strategic Vision: This dual role aims to create a “holistic ecosystem” where creators can manage both their master recordings and their musical compositions under one roof.
Industry Impact: A Global Bridge for Local Talent
The expansion signals a significant investment in India’s creative economy, which WMG CEO Robert Kyncl described as a “key part of our global growth strategy.”
“By establishing a direct footprint, we’re bridging the gap between local brilliance and global opportunity,” said Jay Mehta. “We are now positioned to offer Indian creators sophisticated resources that ensure their music resonates on a global stage.”
| Feature | New WCM India Operations |
| Model | Direct-to-market (replaces sub-publishing) |
| Scope | India and neighboring South Asian markets |
| Services | Global rights management, creative networking, publishing |
| Leadership | Jay Mehta (MD, Recorded Music and Publishing) |
Why This Matters
For decades, the Indian music industry was dominated by film-based soundtracks, but the recent explosion of independent artists and global streaming has shifted the landscape. Warner Chappell’s direct entry suggests a move toward a more “creator-first” ecosystem, ensuring that Indian songwriters are properly protected and rewarded internationally.
