More On Jason Flom WMG Exit

UPDATE: According to Digital Music News: "The offices of Warner Music Group are still shaking following the departure of longtime Atlantic Records Group chief Jason Flom…. "Thanks to his leadership and exceptional A&R talents, Jason is leaving The Atlantic Records Group well-positioned for continued growth," Cohen said. But despite the kind words, insiders pointed to continued clashes between the pair, with Cohen pushing the Atlantic executive out unceremoniously. Still, others see the action as a response to pressure from Warner Music Group chairman Edgar Bronfman, Jr., who allegedly demanded that Cohen to make changes amidst continued investor pressure. Current Atlantic COO and co-chairman Craig Kallman will now assume the reigns at Atlantic. Flom had been with Atlantic for 26 years."

And the from HitsDailyDouble.com, "…Some believe that Cohen acted on the orders of WMG topper Edgar Bronfman Jr., who is said to be reacting to the disapproval of primary investors like Thomas H. Lee Partners to the less than impressive job done so far in revamping the company and taking it public.

It’s believed that WMG will buy out Flom, who instantly becomes the industry’s hottest free agent. And with some struggling labels looking to make a dramatic move to restore credibility (a la the Knicks and the Lakers), he should have his pick of choice gigs. Indeed, he may have already made up his mind. Flom insiders say that Jason is telling his close associates that he’ll be a major player at UMG as soon as barrister Allen Grubman can work out his new deal with his acknowledged mentor, Doug Morris.

Lyor insiders are spinning that Flom was a really good song man but not a great exec that he isn’t equipped with the administrative skills to run a big company and that his A&R expertise is rooted in phone research–locating records that are selling in particular markets and/or have airplay on very small labels and scooping up those bands or labels. Indeed, that’s where much of Flom’s major successes have come from (e.g., Matchbox 20, Hootie & the Blowfish).

This may not be the end of the high-level bloodletting. Some inside WMG are saying that they expect more big changes soon, with new people in and other high-ranking execs out. "

HYPEBOT: Come on Jason. You’ve got talent and smarts. Go Indy. Go start up. Prove the big boys wrong!

Page down for more coverage of this developing story.