Warner Chappell Music UK Names Shani Gonzales Managing Director
WMG’s Warner Chappell Music has promoted Shani Gonzales to Managing Director of Warner Chappell Music UK.
Gonzales will also continue her existing role as Head of International A&R for the company’s global business, and report to Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music.
In January, Gonzales will relocate to London.
Since rejoining Warner Chappell less than a year ago, Gonzales has helped to build the company’s international A&R efforts. She’s focused on integrating and connecting the company’s global roster of top talent across borders, including Ari Pensmith (London), Capital Bra (Germany), El Guincho (Spain), Fred Ball (London) and Jack & Coke (Sweden).
She’s also managed the crossover of songwriters into new markets, recently connecting one of hip-hop’s hottest producers in the U.S., Tay Keith, with two of the most in-demand rappers in the UK, AJ Tracey and AITCH, to create the No. 1 hit ‘Rain’.
“I’m so excited for this new chapter and to work with the amazing team in London. I’ve loved coming back to Chappell and getting to know so many colleagues around the world over the last year, ” says Gonzales. “We’ve got such a supportive and nurturing culture, with Guy and Carianne looking to develop people’s careers over the long-term and build a truly global team.
Moot adds: “Shani’s such a talented leader who has catapulted so many songwriters to the very top with her tenacious drive to see them succeed. With a natural affinity and intuitive connection to her writers, I know that she’ll use her gift of fostering meaningful relationships to further develop and grow our vibrant UK roster.”
Gonzales got her start in the industry at BMI, a leading music rights management company. She then joined Warner Chappell’s A&R team in 2004, going on to work for Epic Records and Def Jam, before becoming Co-Head of A&R for the UK and U.S. at BMG. She returned to Warner Chappell in 2019 to take on the new role of Head of International, EVP of U.S., A&R, and was based out of the company’s New York office.
