Industry veteran Lachie Rutherford has been named CEO Warner Music Japan (WMJ), following the recent death of Takashi Yoshida.
In addition to his new role, Rutherford will continue to serve as president, Warner Music Asia Pacific and chairman Warner Music Japan.
Takashi Yoshida, who became Warner Music Japan president and CEO in August 2003 after a long career at Sony Music Entertainment Japan, died aged 48 in October this year (Billboard.biz, Oct. 8).
Rutherford first joined Warner Music Group in April 1998, was named president, Warner Music Asia Pacific in 1999, later adding the role of Warner Music Japan chairman to his responsibilities. Since 2004 he has also served as chairman of IFPI Asia Pacific.
Based at the company’s regional headquarters in Hong Kong, Rutherford oversees WMJ’s network of affiliates in the territory, including Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia. Japanese chart-toppers A-Mei, Kobukuro and Ayaka, as well as the rock-pop crossover artist Bonnie Pink are among the acts that the highly experienced exec has helped develop.
To accompany Rutherford’s appointment as CEO, Warner Music Japan also appointed a new management team, which will report directly to him, effective immediately. It consists of Yasuhiro Morita (board of directors, CFO), Masanori Ohori (director of domestic), Toshiyuki Kuroiwa (director of promotions).
