Executive pay and board control in Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG) 2026 proxy
Warner Music Group Corp. is asking stockholders to vote at its virtual 2026 annual meeting on March 3, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The agenda includes electing eleven directors for one-year terms ending at the 2027 annual meeting and ratifying KPMG LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2026. The Board recommends voting FOR all director nominees and FOR the auditor ratification.
The proxy highlights WMG’s dual class capital structure and controlled status through Access, while emphasizing independent oversight via a majority of independent directors and fully independent audit, compensation, and governance committees. It details extensive executive compensation, including base salary, annual bonuses tied to corporate and individual performance, and significant equity awards such as RSUs, stock options, and performance share units for CEO Robert Kyncl and other named executive officers, along with potential severance and change-in-control benefits.
Positive
- None.
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- None.
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Filed by the Registrant ☒ | Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐ | ||
☐ | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
☐ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
☒ | Definitive Proxy Statement |
☐ | Definitive Additional Materials |
☐ | Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12 |
☒ | No fee required. |
☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
☐ | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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• | Proposal 1: Election of eleven directors for a one-year term ending at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; |
• | Proposal 2: Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2026; and |
• | Any such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. |
![]() | Internet Please log on to www.proxyvote.com and submit a proxy to vote your Shares by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on March 2, 2026. | ||
![]() | Telephone Please call the number on your proxy card until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on March 2, 2026. | ||
![]() | Mail If you received printed copies of the proxy materials, please complete, sign, date and return your proxy card by mail to Vote Processing c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717 so that it is received by the Company prior to the Annual Meeting. | ||
![]() | In Person You may attend the virtual Annual Meeting and cast your vote. | ||
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Page | ||||||
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders | ii | |||||
Date and Time | ii | |||||
Location | ii | |||||
Agenda | ii | |||||
Voting Your Shares | ii | |||||
Certain Important Terms | 1 | |||||
Proxy Summary | 2 | |||||
Proposals for Your Vote | 2 | |||||
Board of Directors Composition | 2 | |||||
Corporate Governance Highlights | 3 | |||||
PROPOSAL 1 Election of Directors | 4 | |||||
The Board of Directors | 5 | |||||
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS | 16 | |||||
PROPOSAL 2 Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 18 | |||||
Fees Paid to KPMG LLP | 18 | |||||
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy | 19 | |||||
Audit Committee Report | 19 | |||||
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION | 21 | |||||
Board and Corporate Governance Practices | 42 | |||||
Board Leadership Structure | 42 | |||||
Director Nominations | 42 | |||||
Director Independence | 42 | |||||
Executive Sessions | 43 | |||||
Oversight of Risk Management | 43 | |||||
Information about the Board Committees | 43 | |||||
Insider Trading Policy | 47 | |||||
Codes of Conduct | 47 | |||||
Executive Officers | 48 | |||||
Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions | 50 | |||||
Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions | 50 | |||||
Relationship with Access | 50 | |||||
Registration Rights Agreement | 52 | |||||
Transactions with Access Affiliates | 52 | |||||
Relationships with Other Directors, Executive Officers and Affiliates | 53 | |||||
Director Indemnification Agreements | 53 | |||||
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance | 53 | |||||
The Annual Meeting, Voting and Other Information | 55 | |||||
Overview | 55 | |||||
Attending the Annual Meeting | 55 | |||||
Directors’ Attendance at the Annual Meeting | 55 | |||||
Shares Outstanding and Holders of Record Entitled to Vote at the Annual Meeting | 55 | |||||
Your Vote Is Important | 55 | |||||
Quorum Requirement | 55 | |||||
Voting Your Shares | 56 | |||||
Vote Required for Each Proposal | 57 | |||||
Matters to be Presented | 57 | |||||
Delivery of Proxy Materials | 57 | |||||
Proxy Solicitation Costs | 58 | |||||
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Page | ||||||
Vote Tabulation | 58 | |||||
Inspector of Election | 58 | |||||
Results of the Vote | 58 | |||||
Other Information | 58 | |||||
Forward-Looking Statements | 60 | |||||
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• | “Access” means Access Industries, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its affiliates, certain of which are our controlling stockholders. |
• | “Acquisition Corp.” means WMG Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation, and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings. |
• | “common stock” means our Class A Common Stock and our Class B Common Stock, together. |
• | “Holdings” means WMG Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation, and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of WMG. |
• | “SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. |
• | “Warner Music Group” or “WMG” means Warner Music Group Corp., a Delaware corporation, without its consolidated subsidiaries. |
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Proposal | Board Recommendation | Page(s) | |||||||||
1. | Proposal 1: Election of eleven directors for a one-year term ending at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders | FOR each of the nominees | 4 | ||||||||
2. | Proposal 2: Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2026 | FOR | 18 | ||||||||
Name | Age | Principal Professional Experience | Expiration of Current Term | Independent | ||||||||
Robert Kyncl | 55 | Chief Executive Officer of WMG | 2026 | No | ||||||||
Lincoln Benet | 62 | Chief Executive Officer of Access | 2026 | No | ||||||||
Len Blavatnik | 68 | Founder and Chairman of Access | 2026 | No | ||||||||
Valentin Blavatnik | 28 | Special Advisor to the CEO of WMG | 2026 | No | ||||||||
Mathias Döpfner | 63 | Chairman and CEO of Axel Springer SE | 2026 | Yes | ||||||||
Nancy Dubuc | 57 | Former Chief Executive Officer of VICE Media Group | 2026 | Yes | ||||||||
Noreena Hertz | 58 | Honorary Professor at the UCL Policy Lab at University College London | 2026 | Yes | ||||||||
Ynon Kreiz | 60 | Chairman and CEO of Mattel, Inc. | 2026 | Yes | ||||||||
Ceci Kurzman | 56 | Founder and President of Nexus Management Group, Inc. | 2026 | Yes | ||||||||
Michael Lynton | 66 | Chairman of the Board of Snap, Inc. | 2026 | Yes | ||||||||
Donald A. Wagner | 62 | Senior Managing Director of Access | 2026 | No | ||||||||
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• | Independent chairman |
• | Majority independent board of directors |
• | Majority independent Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
• | Annual election of directors |
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| Robert Kyncl Age: 55 Director since: 2023 Committee memberships: Finance Professional Experience: Mr. Kyncl joined the Company on January 1, 2023 as Chief Executive Officer, and serves as a director of the Board. Mr. Kyncl previously served as the Chief Business Officer of YouTube, a division of Alphabet Inc., where he was responsible for YouTube’s creative and commercial partnerships, as well as its product operations and marketing. Mr. Kyncl drove the development of YouTube’s creator ecosystem and original content initiatives while helping lead the launch of its paid subscription services, YouTube Music and YouTube Premium. Prior to joining YouTube in 2010, Mr. Kyncl spent seven years at Netflix, Inc., where he led the company’s push into film and television content, playing an instrumental role in the company’s evolution as a streaming giant. Mr. Kyncl runs the Kyncl Family Foundation, which provides financial assistance to students from underrepresented communities pursuing STEM degrees. Mr. Kyncl holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a B.S. in International Relations from SUNY New Paltz. Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Kyncl brings beneficial experience and attributes to the Board, including his experience as a Chief Business Officer of YouTube leading commercial partnerships and marketing initiatives. Among Mr. Kyncl’s responsibilities at YouTube was the administration of music IP rights, including the licensing of recorded music and music publishing rights for use on the platform. | ||||
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| Lincoln Benet Age: 62 Director since: 2011 Committee memberships: Compensation (chair), Nominating and Corporate Governance (chair), Executive Professional Experience: Mr. Benet has served as a director since July 20, 2011. Mr. Benet is the Chief Executive Officer of Access. Prior to joining Access in 2006, Mr. Benet spent 17 years at Morgan Stanley, most recently as a Managing Director. His experience spans corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, fixed income and capital markets. Mr. Benet is a member of the Supervisory Board of Directors for LyondellBasell Industries N.V. and a member of the boards of DAZN Group Limited and, until 2019, Clal Industries Ltd. Mr. Benet graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Economics from Yale University and received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Benet brings beneficial experience and attributes to the Board, among which are his extensive experience advising companies, in particular as the Chief Executive Officer of Access, in his role as a director of LyondellBasell Industries N.V. and in his role as director of DAZN Group. In addition, Mr. Benet possesses experience in advising and managing publicly traded and privately held enterprises and has significant expertise with corporate finance and strategic business planning activities. | ||||
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| Len Blavatnik Age: 68 Director since: 2011 Committee memberships: Executive Professional Experience: Mr. Blavatnik has served as a director and as Vice Chairman of the Board of the Company since July 20, 2011. Mr. Blavatnik is the founder and former Chairman of Access Industries, a privately held company headquartered in New York with investments across a range of sectors, including strategic equity, global media and entertainment, real estate, and biotechnology. He previously served as a member of the Board from March 2004 to January 2008. Mr. Blavatnik provides financial support to, and remains engaged in, many educational pursuits. He made the largest single gift in Harvard Medical School's history and funded the establishment of the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University. Mr. Blavatnik and the Blavatnik Family Foundation are generous supporters of many of the world's leading educational, scientific, cultural and charitable institutions. He is on the Board of Governors for Tel Aviv University, serves on the Board of Trustees at Carnegie Hall, and is a member of the Board of Directors at 92NY and The Center for Jewish History. He is also a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Mr. Blavatnik emigrated from the Soviet Union to the U.S. in 1978 and became a U.S. citizen in 1984 and a UK citizen in 2010. In 2017, Mr. Blavatnik was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his service to philanthropy. He was appointed Chevalier of the French Legion d'Honneur for his support of education in 2013. He received his master's degree from Columbia University in 1981 and his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1989. Mr. Blavatnik is the father of Val Blavatnik. Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Blavatnik brings beneficial experience and attributes to the Board, among which is his extensive experience advising companies, particularly as founder of Access Industries. He possesses experience in advising and managing publicly traded and privately held enterprises and has significant expertise with corporate finance and strategic business planning activities. | ||||
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| Valentin (“Val”) Blavatnik Age: 28 Director since: 2023 Committee memberships: Executive, Compensation Professional Experience: Mr. Blavatnik has been a director since April 27, 2023. From 2023 to 2024, Mr. Blavatnik served as Senior Director, Business Development of Warner Chappell Music and since 2024 has served as Special Advisor to the CEO at Warner Music Group. From 2021 to 2023, Mr. Blavatnik served on the investment team at LionTree LLC, focused on the media and technology industries. From 2020 to 2023, he was also a production executive at Eden Productions, a TV and film production company founded by Richard Plepler. In addition, he is a member of the Executive Committee at Access Industries. From 2016 to 2019, Mr. Blavatnik worked in the music industry, primarily as an artist manager. Since its founding in 2020, Mr. Blavatnik has served on the Board of Directors of the Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, which supports organizations working in historically underserved and marginalized communities. Mr. Blavatnik also serves on the Board of Managers of Beethoven JV 1, LLC, a joint venture between Warner Music Group and Bain Capital Special Situations, LP. Mr. Blavatnik graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Cinematic Arts from the University of Southern California. He is currently pursuing his M.B.A. at Harvard University. Mr. Blavatnik is the son of Len Blavatnik. Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Blavatnik brings beneficial attributes to the Board, including his experience working with the above companies, and his background working directly with music artists. His work in the entertainment field and at LionTree LLC and Access in the field of investments and finance has given him knowledge and perspective that make him a valuable member of the Board. | ||||
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| Mathias Döpfner Age: 63 Director since: 2014 Committee memberships: Compensation Professional Experience: Mr. Döpfner has served as a director since May 1, 2014. Mr. Döpfner is the Chairman and CEO of Axel Springer SE in Berlin, a company of which he and Friede Springer hold 95% of the shares. Axel Springer is one of the leading digital publishers in the U.S. with brands such as INSIDER, MORNING BREW and POLITICO, and the largest European media outlet with publications like WELT, BILD and UPDAY. Mr. Döpfner studied German literature, theater, and musicology in Frankfurt and Boston. He started his career as a journalist in 1982 and joined Axel Springer SE in 1998, initially as editor-in-chief of WELT. He has been CEO of Axel Springer since January 2002 and focused on the digital transformation of the company ever since. Under his leadership, Axel Springer introduced paid content models and diversified revenue streams through strategic investments. Today, over 85% of the group’s revenues come from its digital activities. Mr. Döpfner is also a member of the Board of Netflix Inc. Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Döpfner brings more than 20 years of leadership and senior management experience, including serving as Chairman and CEO of Axel Springer. He has a deep understanding of the media and entertainment industry, including the developments of new business models to address and capitalize on technological changes within the industry. | ||||
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| Nancy Dubuc Age: 57 Director since: 2021 Committee memberships: Audit (chair), Executive Professional Experience: Ms. Dubuc has served as a director since July 13, 2021. Ms. Dubuc is the former Chief Executive Officer of VICE Media Group (“VICE”). Ms. Dubuc directed the expansion and transformation of VICE’s global businesses and initiated a cultural transformation driven by processes to vastly increase communication, transparency and accountability while serving as company CEO. Prior to joining VICE, Ms. Dubuc served as President and Chief Executive Officer of A+E Networks. Ms. Dubuc currently serves on the Board of Directors of Flutter Entertainment PLC and WEBTOON Entertainment Inc, as well as the Executive Chair of TOGETHXR. Ms. Dubuc has a reputation as a powerful creative with an additional history of overwhelming programmatic success. Skills and Qualifications: Ms. Dubuc’s more than 25 years of media experience, proven track record of successfully diversifying revenue through new business models, distinct ability to build effective leadership teams and financial/operational transformations give her the qualifications and skills to serve as a director of Warner Music Group. | ||||
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| Noreena Hertz Age: 58 Director since: 2017 Committee memberships: Audit, Nominating and Corporate Governance Professional Experience: Professor Hertz has served as a director since September 15, 2017 and previously served as a director from May 1, 2014 through May 22, 2016. Professor Hertz advises some of the biggest organizations and most senior figures in the world on strategy, decision-making, artificial intelligence, sustainability and global economic and geo-political macro risks and trends. Her best-selling books, Eyes Wide Open, The Silent Takeover, IOU: The Debt Threat and The Lonely Century have been published in over 20 countries. Professor Hertz served as a member of Citigroup’s Politics and Economics Global Advisory Board between 2007 and 2008 and as a member of the Advisory Group steering McKinsey CEO Dominic Barton’s Inclusive Capitalism Taskforce between 2012 and 2013. She currently serves on the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, and Compensation Committee of the HR technology company Workhuman and on the Board of Directors and Governance and Social Responsibility Committee of Mattel (Committee Chair). A much sought-after commentator on television and radio, Hertz contributes to a wide range of publications and networks including The BBC, CNN, CNBC, CBS, ITV, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Daily Beast, The Financial Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, The Times of London, Wired, and Nature. She has given Keynote Speeches at TED and The World Economic Forum, as well as for leading global corporations, and has shared platforms with such luminaries as President Bill Clinton and James Wolfensohn. An influential economist on the international stage, Professor Hertz also played a pivotal role in the development of (RED), an innovative commercial model to raise money for people with AIDS in Africa, having inspired Bono (co-founder of the project) with her writings. Professor Hertz has been described by the Observer as “one of the world’s leading young thinkers,” by Vogue as “one of the world’s most inspiring women” and was featured on the cover of Newsweek’s September 30, 2013 issue in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. She has an M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. Having spent 10 years at University of Cambridge as Associate Director of the Centre for International Business and Management, in 2014, she moved to University College London, where she is an Honorary Professor at the UCL Policy Lab. Skills and Qualifications: Professor Hertz brings beneficial experience and attributes to the Board, including over 25 years of experience in advising companies and governments in a variety of sectors and geographies on macro economic, political and regulatory risk, strategy and policy, M&A, intelligence gathering and analysis, millennials and post-millennials, artificial intelligence and sustainability. In addition, Ms. Hertz has also held senior academic positions where her research has focused on decision-making, risk assessment and management, globalization, innovation, the post-millennials, community building and artificial intelligence. | ||||
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| Ynon Kreiz Age: 60 Director since: 2016 Committee memberships: Nominating and Corporate Governance Professional Experience: Mr. Kreiz has served as a director since May 9, 2016. Since May 2018, Mr. Kreiz has been the Chairman and CEO of Mattel, Inc., a leading global toy and family entertainment company. From May 2013 to January 2016, Mr. Kreiz served as the Chairman and CEO of Maker Studios, a global leader in online short-form video and one of the largest content networks on YouTube. From June 2008 to June 2011, Mr. Kreiz was Chairman and CEO of Endemol Group, one of the world’s largest independent television production companies. From 2005 to 2007, Mr. Kreiz was a General Partner at Balderton Capital (formerly Benchmark Capital Europe). From 1996 to 2002, Mr. Kreiz was co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Fox Kids Europe N.V., a leading pay-TV channel in Europe and the Middle East, broadcasting in 56 countries. Mr. Kreiz holds a B.A. in Economics and Management from Tel Aviv University and an M.B.A. from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, where he currently serves on the Board of Advisors. Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Kreiz brings beneficial experience and attributes to the Board, including his extensive experience advising and managing companies, having served as Chairman and CEO of Mattel, Maker Studios, the Endemol Group and Fox Kids Europe, and also as a general partner at Balderton Capital (formerly Benchmark Capital Europe). | ||||
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| Ceci Kurzman Age: 56 Director since: 2020 Committee memberships: Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance Professional Experience: Ms. Kurzman has served as a director since October 1, 2020. Ms. Kurzman is the founder of Nexus Management Group, Inc., a former music talent management and current investment company. Ms. Kurzman currently serves on the Board of Directors of publicly listed companies, including Man Group plc and Lanvin Group. Ms. Kurzman recently finished twelve years as a board member at Revlon. In addition, she is a board member of various privately held companies, including United Talent Agency, FC3 and Tortoise media. An accomplished investor and entrepreneur, Ms. Kurzman also achieved numerous business and marketing successes as a music executive at BMG and Sony Music’s Epic Records, before founding Nexus and managing an impressive roster of superstar artists. Today, Ms. Kurzman continues to combine her strategic business leadership with her ability to anticipate trends and drive revenue growth from an investment portfolio of trailblazing companies, in partnership with established private equity partners. Skills and Qualifications: Ms. Kurzman's 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry includes overseeing music labels and building the careers of music talent. She also has extensive experience investing in, growing/managing and overseeing companies from consumer products to sports to technology. Taken as a whole, her business experience gives her the qualifications and skills to serve as a director of the Company. | ||||
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| Michael Lynton Age: 66 Director since: 2019 Committee memberships: Executive (chair), Finance Professional Experience: Mr. Lynton has served as Chairman of the Board of the Company since February 7, 2019. Mr. Lynton also currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Snap, Inc., a position he has held since 2016 after joining Snap Inc.’s board in 2013. Mr. Lynton also currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Schrödinger, Inc., a position he has held since October 2018 after joining the Board of Directors of Schrödinger, Inc. in January 2018. Mr. Lynton has also served on the board of Ares Management Corporation since May 2014. Previously, Mr. Lynton served as the CEO of Sony Entertainment from April 2012 until August 2017, overseeing Sony’s global entertainment businesses, including Sony Music Entertainment, Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Mr. Lynton also served as Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment from January 2004 until May 2017. Prior to joining Sony Pictures, Mr. Lynton worked for Time Warner, and from 2000 to 2004, he served as CEO of AOL Europe, President of AOL International and President of Time Warner International. From 1996 to 2000, Mr. Lynton served as Chairman and CEO of Pearson plc’s Penguin Group, where he oversaw the acquisition of Putnam, Inc. and extended the Penguin brand to music and the Internet. Mr. Lynton joined The Walt Disney Company in 1987, and from 1992 to 1996, he served as President of Disney’s Hollywood Pictures. Mr. Lynton also serves on the boards of Channel 4, The Smithsonian, Condé Nast and The RAND Corporation. Mr. Lynton holds a B.A. in History and Literature from Harvard College and received his M.B.A. from Harvard University. Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Lynton brings beneficial experience and attributes to the Board, including his various experiences in the entertainment industry and advising and managing companies. | ||||
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| Donald A. Wagner Age: 62 Director since: 2011 Committee memberships: Finance (chair), Executive, Nominating and Corporate Governance Professional Experience: Mr. Wagner has served as a director since July 20, 2011. Mr. Wagner is a Senior Managing Director of Access, having been with Access since 2010. He oversees Access’ North American direct investing activities. From 2000 to 2009, Mr. Wagner was a Senior Managing Director of Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C., responsible for investments in several areas and heading the industry group focused on investments in basic industries. Previously, Mr. Wagner was a Managing Director of Lazard Freres & Co. LLC and had a 15-year career at that firm and its affiliates in New York and London. He is a board member of Breakwater Energy, Pinnacle Service Brands and BMC Software and was on the board of NYSE-listed RSC Holdings from November 2006 until August 2009. Mr. Wagner also serves on the Board of Managers of Beethoven JV 1, LLC, a joint venture between Warner Music Group and Bain Capital Special Situations, LP. Mr. Wagner graduated summa cum laude with an A.B. in physics from Harvard College. Skills and Qualifications: Mr. Wagner brings deep experience and valuable attributes to the Board, among which is his experience serving as a director of various companies, including public companies, and over 25 years of experience in investing, banking and private equity. In addition, Mr. Wagner has extensive experience in advising and managing publicly traded and privately held enterprises and has significant expertise with corporate finance and strategic business planning activities. | ||||
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Name of Beneficial Owner | Number of shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned | Number of shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned | Ownership Percent of Class A Common Stock(1) | Ownership Percent of Class B Common Stock(1) | ||||||||
AI Entertainment Holdings LLC(2) | — | 372,600,227 | — | 99.3% | ||||||||
Entertainment Holdings II LLC(3) | — | 125,000,000 | — | 33.3% | ||||||||
The Vanguard Group(4) | 16,914,577 | — | 11.5% | — | ||||||||
JPMorgan Chase & Co(5) | 15,285,860 | — | 10.4% | — | ||||||||
Independent Franchise Partners, LLP(6) | 13,378,864 | — | 9.1% | — | ||||||||
Darlington Partners Capital Management, LP(7) | 11,995,280 | — | 8.2% | — | ||||||||
Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC(8) | 8,914,756 | — | 6.1% | — | ||||||||
BlackRock, Inc.(9) | 8,597,327 | — | 5.8% | — | ||||||||
Darsana Capital Partners LP(10) | 8,000,000 | — | 5.4% | — | ||||||||
Robert Kyncl | 133,613 | — | — | — | ||||||||
Lincoln Benet(11) | 242,360 | — | * | — | ||||||||
Len Blavatnik(12) | — | 374,517,252 | — | 99.8% | ||||||||
Val Blavatnik | 104,074 | — | * | — | ||||||||
Mathias Döpfner(13) | 25,913 | — | * | — | ||||||||
Nancy Dubuc(13) | 23,580 | — | * | — | ||||||||
Noreena Hertz(13) | 25,913 | — | * | — | ||||||||
Ynon Kreiz(13) | 30,501 | — | * | — | ||||||||
Ceci Kurzman(14) | 22,568 | — | * | — | ||||||||
Michael Lynton(14) | 36,736 | — | * | — | ||||||||
Donald A. Wagner(11) | 251,817 | — | * | — | ||||||||
Carianne Marshall | 35,267 | — | * | — | ||||||||
Guy Moot | 35,267 | — | * | — | ||||||||
Armin Zerza | 35,778 | — | * | — | ||||||||
Carletta Higginson | 20,314 | — | * | — | ||||||||
All Current Directors, Director Nominees and Executive Officers as a group (15 persons)(11) | 1,023,701 | 374,517,252 | * | 99.8% | ||||||||
Bryan Castellani(15) | 26,776 | — | * | — | ||||||||
* | Less than one percent. |
(1) | The holders of our Class B Common Stock are entitled to 20 votes per share, and holders of our Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. |
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(2) | Entertainment Holdings II LLC (“EH”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AI Entertainment Holdings LLC (“AIEH”). Shares of Class B Common Stock directly owned by EH are included in the number of shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by AIEH, which may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Class B Common Stock directly owned by EH. |
(3) | A significant portion of the shares of Class B Common Stock owned by Entertainment Holdings II LLC have been pledged under a loan facility. |
(4) | Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on October 31, 2025 by The Vanguard Group, reporting beneficial ownership as of September 30, 2025, with The Vanguard Group having sole voting power with respect to 0 shares of our Class A Common Stock, shared voting power with respect to 817,475 shares of our Class A Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 16,040,237 shares of our Class A Common Stock and shared dispositive power with respect to 874,340 shares of our Class A Common Stock. The Vanguard Group has its principal business office at 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, PA 19355. |
(5) | Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on April 4, 2025 by JPMorgan Chase & Co (“JPMorgan”), reporting beneficial ownership as of March 31, 2025, with JPMorgan having sole voting power with respect to 14,751,599 shares of our Class A Common Stock, shared voting power with respect to 0 shares of our Class A Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 15,285,838 shares of our Class A Common Stock and shared dispositive power with respect to 22 shares of our Class A Common Stock. JPMorgan has its principal business office at 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179. |
(6) | Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on May 14, 2025 by Independent Franchise Partners, LLP (“Independent Franchise”), reporting beneficial ownership as of March 31, 2025, with Independent Franchise having sole voting power with respect to 13,287,926 shares of our Class A Common Stock, shared voting power with respect to 0 shares of our Class A Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 13,378,864 shares of our Class A Common Stock and shared dispositive power with respect to 0 shares of our Class A Common Stock. Barrow has its principal business office at Level 1, 10 Portman Square, London W1H 6AZ, United Kingdom. |
(7) | Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on May 15, 2025 by Darlington Partners Capital Management, LP (together with its related entities, the “Darlington Group”), reporting beneficial ownership as of March 31, 2025, with the Darlington Group having sole voting power with respect to 0 shares of our Class A Common Stock, shared voting power with respect to 11,995,280 shares of our Class A Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 0 shares of our Class A Common Stock and shared dispositive power with respect to 11,995,280 shares of our Class A Common Stock. The Darlington Group has its principal business office at 300 Drakes Landing Road, Suite 290, Greenbrae, CA 94904. |
(8) | Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on November 12, 2025 by Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC (“Barrow”), reporting beneficial ownership as of September 30, 2025, with Barrow having sole voting power with respect to 8,914,756 shares of our Class A Common Stock, shared voting power with respect to 0 shares of our Class A Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 8,914,756 shares of our Class A Common Stock and shared dispositive power with respect to 0 shares of our Class A Common Stock. Barrow has its principal business office at 2200 Ross Avenue, 31st Floor, Dallas, TX 75201. |
(9) | Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on November 8, 2024 by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”), reporting beneficial ownership as of September 30, 2024, with BlackRock having sole voting power with respect to 8,596,795 shares of our Class A Common Stock, shared voting power with respect to 0 shares of our Class A Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 8,597,327 shares of our Class A Common Stock and shared dispositive power with respect to 0 shares of our Class A Common Stock. BlackRock has its principal business office at 50 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001. |
(10) | Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on November 4, 2025 by Darsana Capital Partners LP (“Darsana”), reporting beneficial ownership as of October 28, 2025, with Darsana having sole voting power with respect to 0 shares of our Class A Common Stock, shared voting power with respect to 8,000,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 0 shares of our Class A Common Stock and shared dispositive power with respect to 8,000,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock. Darsana has its principal business office at 40 West 57th Street, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10019. |
(11) | Does not reflect shares of the Company’s common stock that may be attributable to the beneficial owners of limited partnership interests in certain entities affiliated with Access and controlled by Len Blavatnik. Messrs. Benet and Wagner disclaim any beneficial ownership of shares of the Company’s common stock represented by such limited partnership interests. |
(12) | Represents shares held by entities over which Len Blavatnik either exercises or may be deemed to exercise direct or indirect control as of the date of this proxy statement. |
(13) | For Mr. Döpfner, represents 20,624 shares of Class A Common Stock and 5,289 shares issuable upon vesting of share-settled restricted stock units that are scheduled to vest and settle on March 4, 2026, in each case received as compensation for service as a director. For Ms. Dubuc, represents 18,291 shares of Class A Common Stock and 5,289 shares issuable upon vesting of share-settled restricted stock units that are scheduled to vest and settle on March 4, 2026, in each case received as compensation for service as a director. For Ms. Hertz, represents 20,624 shares of Class A Common Stock and 5,289 shares issuable upon vesting of share-settled restricted stock units that are scheduled to vest and settle on March 4, 2026, in each case received as compensation for service as a director. For Mr. Kreiz, represents 25,212 shares of Class A Common Stock and 5,289 shares issuable upon vesting of share-settled restricted stock units that are scheduled to vest and settle on March 4, 2026, in each case received as compensation for service as a director. |
(14) | For Ms. Kurzman, does not include 5,289 deferred share units issued under our director compensation program. For Mr. Lynton, does not include 7,706 deferred share units issued under our director compensation program. |
(15) | As previously disclosed, on May 5, 2025, Mr. Castellani was succeeded as our Chief Financial Officer by Mr. Zerza. Beneficial ownership information for Mr. Castellani is based on information available to the Company. |
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• | KPMG’s independence and objectivity; |
• | KPMG’s and the lead engagement partner’s capability and expertise in handling the breadth and complexity of our operations; |
• | KPMG’s tenure as independent auditor for the Company; |
• | historical and recent performance of KPMG, including the extent and quality of communications with members of the Audit Committee; and |
• | the impact of a change in the independent auditor. |
Year Ended September 30, 2025 | Year Ended September 30, 2024 | |||||
Audit Fees | $9,479 | $9,157 | ||||
Audit-Related Fees | 26 | 31 | ||||
Tax Fees | 30 | 5 | ||||
Total Fees | $9,535 | $9,193 | ||||
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• | Robert Kyncl, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) |
• | Armin Zerza, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) |
• | Bryan Castellani, Former Chief Financial Officer |
• | Carletta Higginson, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer |
• | Carianne Marshall, Co-Chair and Chief Operating Officer, Warner Chappell Music |
• | Guy Moot, Co-Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Warner Chappell Music |
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• | Alignment of executive and stockholder interests by providing incentives linked to operating performance and achievement of financial and strategic objectives. We are committed to creating stockholder value and believe that our executives and employees should be provided incentives through our compensation programs that align their interests with those of our stockholders. Accordingly, we provide our executives with annual cash bonus incentives linked to our operating performance. In addition, we make grants of long-term equity incentive compensation to our directors, certain of our officers and other employees under our Omnibus Incentive Plan, as described below. For information on the components of our executive compensation programs and the reasons why each is used, see “Components of Executive Compensation” below. |
• | A clear link between an executive’s compensation and company-wide performance. Our NEOs have incentive compensation that is tied to company-wide performance. Their annual incentive bonus is discretionary and designed to reward their achievement of specified key goals, which include, among other things, the successful implementation of strategic initiatives, realizing superior operating and financial performance, and other factors that we believe are important, such as the promotion of an ethical work environment and teamwork within the Company. In addition, our Omnibus Incentive Plan, our equity-based compensation plan, allows us to grant a variety of awards. We believe that our Omnibus Incentive Plan allows us to provide strong long-term performance and retention incentives for executives and increase their vested interest in the performance of the Company and the value of our common stock. We believe our compensation structure motivates our executives to achieve these goals and rewards them for their significant efforts and contributions to the Company and the results they achieve. |
• | The extremely competitive nature of the media and entertainment industry, and our need to attract and retain the most creative and talented industry leaders. We compete for talented executives in relatively high-priced markets, and the Compensation Committee takes this into consideration when making compensation decisions. For example, we compete for executives with other recorded music and music publishing companies, other entertainment, media and technology companies, law firms, private ventures, investment banks and many other companies that offer high levels of compensation. We believe that our senior management team is among the best in the industry and is the right team to lead us to long-term success. Our commitment to ensuring that we are led by the right executives is a high priority, and we make our compensation decisions accordingly. |
• | Base salary; |
• | Discretionary or target annual cash bonus; |
• | Discretionary or target annual equity incentive award; |
• | Severance payable upon a qualifying termination of employment; and |
• | Benefits, including participation in a defined contribution plan and health, life insurance and disability insurance plans. |
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Name | RSUs | Grant Date Fair Value of RSUs(1) | ||||
Robert Kyncl | 344,156 | $10,675,719 | ||||
Armin Zerza | 218,341 | $6,000,010 | ||||
Bryan Castellani | 76,857 | $2,384,104 | ||||
Carletta Higginson | 53,359 | $1,655,196 | ||||
Carianne Marshall | 48,701 | $1,510,705 | ||||
Guy Moot | 48,701 | $1,510,705 | ||||
(1) | The grant date fair value for the RSUs granted to our NEOs other than Mr. Zerza is based on a price per share of $31.02, which was the closing price per share of our common stock on the grant date. The grant date fair value for the RSUs granted to Mr. Zerza is based on a price per share of $27.48, which was the closing price per share of our common stock on the grant date. |
Name | RSUs | Grant Date Fair Value of RSUs(1) | ||||
Robert Kyncl | 339,635 | $10,338,489 | ||||
Carletta Higginson | 72,092 | $2,194,480 | ||||
Carianne Marshall | 48,062 | $1,463,007 | ||||
Guy Moot | 48,062 | $1,463,007 | ||||
(1) | The grant date fair value for the RSUs granted on January 4, 2026 to our NEOs is based on a price per share of $30.44, which was the closing price of our Class A Common Stock on January 2, 2026, the last trading day prior to the grant date. |
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Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary | Bonus(1) | Stock Awards(2) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings | All Other Compensation(3) | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Robert Kyncl CEO | 2025 | $2,000,000 | $3,202,480 | $10,675,719 | — | — | $31,051 | $15,909,250 | ||||||||||||||||
2024 | $2,000,000 | $3,102,300 | $13,518,806 | — | — | $11,500 | $18,632,606 | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | $2,000,000 | $2,289,610 | $15,347,525 | — | — | $789,250 | $20,426,385 | |||||||||||||||||
Armin Zerza CFO | 2025 | $484,615 | $1,847,648 | $10,000,010 | — | — | $8,308 | $12,340,581 | ||||||||||||||||
Bryan Castellani Former Chief Financial Officer | 2025 | $1,100,000 | $1,119,243 | $2,384,104 | — | — | $93,466 | $4,696,813 | ||||||||||||||||
2024 | $1,100,000 | $2,437,510 | $2,340,887 | — | — | $15,308 | $5,893,705 | |||||||||||||||||
Carletta Higginson Chief Digital Officer | 2025 | $1,137,500 | $1,982,399 | $1,655,196 | — | — | $7,875 | $4,782,970 | ||||||||||||||||
Carianne Marshall Co-Chair and COO, Warner Chappell Music | 2025 | $1,562,500 | $2,287,500 | $1,510,705 | — | — | $11,750 | $5,372,455 | ||||||||||||||||
2024 | $1,562,500 | $2,322,031 | $1,596,042 | — | — | $11,500 | $5,492,073 | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | $1,250,000 | $2,351,300 | $797,159 | — | — | $11,250 | $4,409,709 | |||||||||||||||||
Guy Moot Co-Chair and CEO, Warner Chappell Music | 2025 | $2,187,500 | $2,287,500 | $1,510,705 | — | — | $18,216 | $6,003,921 | ||||||||||||||||
2024 | $2,187,500 | $2,322,031 | $1,596,042 | — | — | $13,266 | $6,118,839 | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | $1,750,000 | $2,351,300 | $797,159 | — | — | $23,547 | $4,922,006 | |||||||||||||||||
(1) | For fiscal year 2025, represents discretionary cash bonuses for each of our NEOs. See “Components of Executive Compensation—Annual Cash Bonus.” For Mr. Zerza, the amount reported includes a one-time signing bonus payment of $1,000,000. See “Summary of NEO Employment Arrangements—Employment Agreement with Armin Zerza.” For Ms. Higginson, the amount reported includes a signing bonus payment of $625,000. See “Summary of NEO Employment Arrangements—Employment Agreement with Carletta Higginson.” For fiscal year 2024 Mr. Castellani, the amount also includes a one-time signing bonus payment of $1,100,000. See “Summary of NEO Employment Arrangements—Employment Agreement with Bryan Castellani.” |
(2) | The amounts reported in the “Stock Awards” column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the FY 2023, FY 2024 and FY 2025 Awards, respectively. The amounts in this column are computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 13 of the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2025 for additional detail regarding assumptions underlying the valuation of equity awards. |
(3) | Fiscal year 2025 includes 401(k) matching contributions of $11,750 for Mr. Kyncl, $8,308 for Mr. Zerza, $11,750 for Mr. Castellani, $7,875 for Ms. Higginson, $11,750 for Ms. Marshall and $11,750 for Mr. Moot. For Mr. Castellani, fiscal year 2025 includes a $81,716 payment representing his contractual severance entitlement to subsidized COBRA premiums. For Mr. Kyncl, fiscal year 2025 includes $19,301 in relocation benefits. Additionally, Mr. Moot was reimbursed for certain tax preparation costs. During fiscal year 2025, Mr. Kyncl, Mr. Zerza, Mr. Castellani, Ms. Higginson, Ms. Marshall and Mr. Moot also received $189,286, $80,786, $82,791, $56,974, $81,438 and $81,438, respectively, in cash dividends paid to them in respect of outstanding equity awards under our Omnibus Incentive Plan. Because the value of dividends and dividend equivalents payable on our RSU awards is reflected in the grant date fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, these amounts are not reflected in the Summary Compensation Table. |
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Name | Grant Date | Award Type | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#) | All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) | Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh) | Closing Market Price on Option Date Grant ($/Sh) | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards ($)(1) | ||||||||||||||
Mr. Kyncl | 01/04/2025 | RSU | 344,156 | — | — | — | $10,675,719 | ||||||||||||||
Mr. Zerza | 05/12/2025 | RSU | 218,341 | — | — | — | $6,000,010 | ||||||||||||||
05/12/2025 | Option | — | 471,698 | $27.48 | $27.48 | $4,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
Mr. Castellani | 09/30/2025 | RSU | 33,411 | — | — | — | $1,137,979 | ||||||||||||||
01/04/2025 | RSU | 76,857 | — | — | — | $2,384,104 | |||||||||||||||
Ms. Higginson | 01/04/2025 | RSU | 53,359 | — | — | — | $1,655,196 | ||||||||||||||
Ms. Marshall | 01/04/2025 | RSU | 48,701 | — | — | — | $1,510,705 | ||||||||||||||
Mr. Moot | 01/04/2025 | RSU | 48,701 | — | — | — | $1,510,705 | ||||||||||||||
(1) | The amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The grant date fair value for the RSUs granted on January 4, 2025 is based on a price per share of $31.02, which was the closing price of our Class A Common Stock on January 3, 2025, the last trading day prior to the grant date. The grant date fair value for the RSUs granted on May 12, 2025 is based on a price per share of $27.48, which was the closing price of our Class A Common Stock on May 12, 2025. The grant date fair value for the RSUs granted on September 30, 2025 is based on a price per share of $34.06, which was the closing price of our Class A Common Stock on September 30, 2025. The grant date fair value of options was determined as of the option grant date using a Black-Scholes stock option valuation model. |
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(1) | the term of Mr. Zerza’s employment agreement ends on May 12, 2029; |
(2) | Mr. Zerza’s base salary for fiscal year 2025 was $1,200,000 and his target bonus was $1,800,000; and |
(3) | Mr. Zerza was eligible for an annual grant of long-term incentive awards with a target value of $6,000,000 per year. |
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(1) | Mr. Castellani’s employment had an indefinite term, subject to termination by either party on nine months’ advance written notice; |
(2) | Mr. Castellani’s base salary for fiscal year 2025 was $1,100,000 and his target bonus was $1,100,000; and |
(3) | Mr. Castellani was eligible for an annual grant of long-term incentive awards with a target value of $2,200,000 per year. |
(1) | Ms. Higginson’s employment has an indefinite term, subject to termination by either party on thirty days’ advance written notice; |
(2) | Ms. Higginson’s base salary for fiscal year 2025 was $1,137,500 and her target bonus was $1,137,500; and |
(3) | Ms. Higginson was eligible for an annual grant of long-term incentive awards with a target value of $1,500,000 per year. |
(1) | the term of Ms. Marshall’s employment agreement ends on March 31, 2028; |
(2) | Ms. Marshall’s base salary for fiscal year 2025 was $1,562,500, and her target bonus was $2,187,500; and |
(3) | Ms. Marshall was eligible for an annual grant of long-term incentive awards with a target value of $1,500,000 per year. |
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(1) | the term of Mr. Moot’s employment agreement ends on March 31, 2028; |
(2) | Mr. Moot’s annual base salary for fiscal year 2025 was $2,187,500, and his target bonus was the same amount; and |
(3) | Mr. Moot was eligible for an annual grant of long-term incentive awards with a target value of $1,500,000 per year. |
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Grant Award Date | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#)(1) unexercisable | Equity incentive plan awards: number of securities underlying unexercised unearned options (#) | Option exercise price ($) | Option expiration date | Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)(1) | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(2) | Equity incentive plan awards: number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested (#)(3) | Equity incentive plan awards: market or payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested ($)(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Robert Kyncl | 01/04/2025 | — | — | — | — | — | 344,156 | $11,721,953 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
04/03/2024 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 155,424 | $5,293,752 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Armin Zerza | 05/12/2025 | — | — | — | — | — | 218,341 | $7,436,694 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
05/12/2025 | — | 471,698 | — | $27.48 | 05/12/2035 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Bryan Castellani | 09/30/2025 | — | — | — | — | — | 33,411 | $1,137,979 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
01/04/2025 | — | — | — | — | — | 76,857 | $2,617,749 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
01/04/2024 | — | — | — | — | — | 51,290 | $1,746,937 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Carletta Higginson | 01/04/2025 | — | — | — | — | — | 53,359 | $1,817,408 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
01/04/2024 | — | — | — | — | — | 34,970 | $1,191,078 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Grant Award Date | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#)(1) unexercisable | Equity incentive plan awards: number of securities underlying unexercised unearned options (#) | Option exercise price ($) | Option expiration date | Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)(1) | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(2) | Equity incentive plan awards: number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested (#)(3) | Equity incentive plan awards: market or payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested ($)(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Carianne Marshall | 01/04/2025 | — | — | — | — | — | 48,701 | $1,658,756 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
01/04/2024 | — | — | — | — | — | 34,970 | $1,191,078 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
01/04/2023 | — | — | — | — | — | 21,834 | $743,666 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
01/04/2022 | — | — | — | — | — | 11,843 | $403,373 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Guy Moot | 01/04/2025 | — | — | — | — | — | 48,701 | $1,658,756 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
01/04/2024 | — | — | — | — | — | 34,970 | $1,191,078 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
01/04/2023 | — | — | — | — | — | 21,834 | $743,666 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
01/04/2022 | — | — | — | — | — | 11,843 | $403,373 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | Awards reported in this column vest in equal installments on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date, except with respect to awards granted in 2022 and 2023, which vest in a single installment on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. |
(2) | The amount in this column represents the value of outstanding awards determined as of September 30, 2025, the last business day of fiscal year 2025, based on a price per share of $34.06, which was the closing price of our common stock on September 30, 2025. With respect to the award granted April 3, 2024, the value reported assumes the threshold level of performance is achieved. |
(3) | Represents a number of PSUs subject to vesting over a three-year performance period ending on the last day of our 2026 fiscal year. With respect to the award granted April 3, 2024, the number of shares was determined assuming the threshold level of performance is achieved. |
RSUs and PSUs | ||||||
Name | Number of shares acquired on vesting (#) | Value realized on vesting ($)(1) | ||||
Robert Kyncl | 202,659 | $6,902,558 | ||||
Armin Zerza | — | — | ||||
Bryan Castellani | 17,097 | $530,349 | ||||
Carletta Higginson | 11,656 | $361,569 | ||||
Carianne Marshall | 25,217 | $782,231 | ||||
Guy Moot | 25,217 | $782,231 | ||||
(1) | Values determined by multiplying the number of RSUs and PSUs, as applicable, that vested by the closing price per share of our common stock on the vesting date. |
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Name | Salary (other than accrued amounts)(1) | Bonus(2) | Value of Deferred Compensation(3) | Acceleration of Equity Awards(4) | Benefits(5) | Total | ||||||||||||
Robert Kyncl | $15,000,000 | $3,202,480 | — | $5,328,685 | — | $23,531,165 | ||||||||||||
Armin Zerza | $1,800,000 | $1,800,000 | — | $1,369,248 | — | $4,969,248 | ||||||||||||
Bryan Castellani | $1,650,000 | $1,119,243 | — | $1,241,259 | — | $4,010,502 | ||||||||||||
Carletta Higginson | $1,137,500 | $1,982,399 | — | $852,305 | — | $3,972,204 | ||||||||||||
Carianne Marshall | $2,343,750 | $2,287,500 | — | $1,708,973 | — | $6,340,223 | ||||||||||||
Guy Moot | $3,281,250 | $2,287,500 | — | $1,708,973 | $75,000 | $7,352,723 | ||||||||||||
(1) | Represents the severance payable to the NEO on such a qualifying termination. |
(2) | Represents the actual fiscal year 2025 annual bonus paid, assuming the Company in its good-faith discretion determined to pay that amount. |
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(3) | Reflects the value of vested deferred equity units that would be settled on a termination of employment without “cause” or by the NEO for “good reason.” |
(4) | Reflects the value of unvested RSUs, PSUs, and Option that would accelerate on a termination of employment without “cause” or by the NEO for “good reason” on September 30, 2025, the last business day of fiscal year 2025, based on a price per share of $34.06, which was the closing price of our common stock on that date. The amount reflects a pro rata portion of the NEO’s outstanding equity based on the portion of the vesting period that had elapsed as of September 30, 2025, assuming actual performance at the end of the vesting period for the PSUs had been equal to the level of achievement on the last business day of fiscal year 2025. Upon an NEO’s termination by the Company without “cause” or by the NEO for “good reason,” unvested RSU awards will remain outstanding and will become vested on their originally scheduled vesting date subject to the participant’s compliance with the restrictive covenants set forth in their award agreement, or if sooner, upon the occurrence of a change in control or the participant’s disability or death. |
(5) | The amount reported for Mr. Moot reflects the value of relocation benefits payable in the event his employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by the NEO for “good reason.” |
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Name | Bonus(1) | Value of Deferred Compensation | Acceleration of RSUs(2) | Acceleration of PSUs(3) | Total | ||||||||||
Robert Kyncl | — | — | $11,721,953 | $5,293,752 | $17,015,705 | ||||||||||
Armin Zerza | $847,648 | — | $7,436,694 | — | $8,284,342 | ||||||||||
Carletta Higginson | — | — | $3,008,486 | — | $3,008,486 | ||||||||||
Carianne Marshall | $2,287,500 | — | $3,996,873 | — | $6,284,373 | ||||||||||
Guy Moot | $2,287,500 | — | $3,996,873 | — | $6,284,373 | ||||||||||
(1) | For Mr. Zerza, Ms. Marshall and Mr. Moot, represents the actual fiscal year 2025 annual bonus paid assuming the Company in its good-faith discretion determined to pay that amount. |
(2) | Reflects the value of unvested RSUs that would accelerate upon the NEO’s termination of employment as a result of death or disability on September 30, 2025 based on a price per share of $34.06, which was the closing price of our common stock on September 30, 2025, the last business day of fiscal year 2025. |
(3) | Reflects the value of unvested PSUs that would accelerate upon the NEO’s termination of employment as a result of death or disability on September 30, 2025, based on a price per share of $34.06, which was the closing price of our common stock on September 30, 2025, the last business day of fiscal year 2025. |
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Compensation Item | Amount | ||
Annual Cash Retainer | $100,000 | ||
Annual Equity Award | $175,000 restricted stock unit grant with one-year vesting | ||
Board Chair Additional Retainer | $80,000 restricted stock unit grant with one-year vesting and $45,000 in cash | ||
Committee Chair Annual Cash Retainer Fee | Audit Committee: $15,000 | ||
Compensation Committee: $15,000 | |||
Nominating and Corporate Governance | |||
Committee: $15,000 | |||
Executive Committee: $15,000 | |||
Finance Committee: $15,000 | |||
Committee Member Annual Cash Retainer Fee | Audit Committee: $5,000 | ||
Compensation Committee: $5,000 | |||
Nominating and Corporate Governance | |||
Committee: $5,000 | |||
Executive Committee: $5,000 | |||
Finance Committee: $5,000 | |||
Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Stock Awards ($)(1) | Option Awards ($) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | ||||||||||||||
Michael Lynton | $165,000 | $260,617 | — | — | — | — | $425,617 | ||||||||||||||
Lincoln Benet | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Len Blavatnik | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Valentin Blavatnik | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Mathias Döpfner | $105,000 | $178,874 | — | — | — | — | $283,874 | ||||||||||||||
Noreena Hertz | $110,000 | $178,874 | — | — | — | — | $288,874 | ||||||||||||||
Nancy Dubuc | $120,000 | $178,874 | — | — | — | — | $298,874 | ||||||||||||||
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Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Stock Awards ($)(1) | Option Awards ($) | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | ||||||||||||||
Ynon Kreiz | $110,000 | $178,874 | — | — | — | — | $288,874 | ||||||||||||||
Ceci Kurzman | $110,000 | $178,874 | — | — | — | — | $288,874 | ||||||||||||||
Donald A. Wagner | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
(1) | The amounts reported in the “Stock Awards” column reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of awards granted under our Omnibus Incentive Plan, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Reported amounts for Mr. Lynton and Ms. Kurzman reflect the value of Deferred Share Units. |
Plan Category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) | ||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1) | 471,698 | $27.48 | 29,357,018 | ||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | N/A | N/A | — | ||||||
Total | 471,698 | N/A | 29,357,018 | ||||||
(1) | Shares of our Class A Common Stock issuable under the Omnibus Incentive Plan. Includes 4,896,698, 565,579 and 471,698 shares of our Class A Common Stock issuable in respect of outstanding RSUs, PSUs, and Options, respectively. The PSUs outstanding represent 100% of the target amount which will be determined at the end of the performance period. |
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Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO | Compensation Actually Paid to PEO | Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs(2) | Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs(3) | Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On: | Net Income (millions)(6) | Adjusted OIBDA (millions)(7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year | Mr. Cooper(1) | Mr. Kyncl(1) | Mr. Cooper(3) | Mr. Kyncl(3) | WMG Total Shareholder Return(4) | Peer Group Total Shareholder Return(5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2025 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | Reflects the amount of total compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table (“SCT”) for our Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) for the applicable year. See “Director and Executive Compensation—Summary Compensation Table.” Both |
(2) | Reflects the average of the total compensation reported in the SCT for the Company’s NEOs as a group (excluding the PEOs) for the applicable year. The NEOs included in this calculation for 2025 are Armin Zerza, Bryan Castellani, Carletta Higginson, Carianne Marshall, and Guy Moot. The NEOs included in this calculation for 2024 are Bryan Castellani, Eric Levin, Max Lousada, Carianne Marshall, and Guy Moot. The NEOs included in this calculation for 2023 are Eric Levin, Max Lousada, Carianne Marshall, and Guy Moot. The NEOs included in this calculation for 2022 are Eric Levin, Louis Dickler, Max Lousada, Carianne Marshall, and Guy Moot. The NEOs included in this calculation for 2021 are Eric Levin, Max Lousada, Carianne Marshall, and Guy Moot. See “Director and Executive Compensation—Summary Compensation Table.” |
(3) | Amounts reported in this column represent the amount of compensation actually paid (“CAP”) to the PEO or the non-PEO NEOs, as applicable, computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. The dollar amounts do not reflect the actual amount of compensation earned by or paid during the applicable year. In accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the CAP reported for the PEOs and the non-PEO NEOs reflects the following adjustments to the total compensation reported in the SCT to determine the applicable CAP: |
2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PEO | Average Non-PEO NEOs | PEO | Average Non-PEO NEOs | PEO | Average Non-PEO NEOs | PEO | Average Non-PEO NEOs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SCT to CAP Reconciliation | Mr. Cooper | Mr. Kyncl | Mr. Cooper | Mr. Kyncl | Mr. Cooper | Mr. Kyncl | Mr. Cooper | Mr. Kyncl | Mr. Cooper | Mr. Kyncl | Average Non-PEO NEOs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reported SCT Total Compensation: | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value of RSUs and PSUs reported in SCT | $( | $( | $( | $( | $( | $( | $( | $( | $( | $( | $( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year-end fair value of unvested RSUs and PSUs granted in the current fiscal year | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year-over-year difference of year-end fair values for unvested awards granted in prior years | $ | $ | $( | $( | $ | $ | $( | $( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair value as of the vesting date for awards that are granted and vest in the same covered fiscal year. | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value from the end of the prior fiscal year to the vesting date for awards granted in prior years that vest in the covered fiscal year. | $ | $( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CAP: | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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(4) | The table assumes an investment of $100 in our Class A Common Stock at market close on September 24, 2021. Through September 30, 2022, the intervals are based on the Company’s 52-53 week fiscal year in which each reporting period ended on the last Friday of the respective reporting period. Starting with the 2023 fiscal year, the intervals are based on the Company’s modified fiscal year in which each reporting period ends on the last day of the calendar quarter. |
(5) | Represents the weighted peer group total shareholder return (“TSR”), weighted according to the respective companies’ stock market capitalization at the beginning of each period for which a return is indicated. The peer group used for this purpose is the S&P 500 Media & Entertainment Index. |
(6) | Reflects “Net Income” in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the applicable fiscal year. |
(7) | We evaluate our operating performance based on several factors, including our primary financial measure of operating income (loss) before non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and non-cash amortization of intangible assets, adjusted to exclude the impact of non-cash stock-based compensation and other related expenses and certain items that affect comparability including but not limited to gains or losses on divestitures and expenses related to restructuring and transformation initiatives (“ |
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• | the requirement that a majority of the members of the board of directors be independent directors; |
• | the requirement that we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors; |
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• | the requirement that the nominating and corporate governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors; and |
• | the requirement for an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees. |
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Audit Committee Members: Nancy Dubuc (Chair) Noreena Hertz Ceci Kurzman All Audit Committee members are independent under applicable Exchange Act and Nasdaq rules and regulations. In addition, each Audit Committee member is “financially literate” under Nasdaq rules and regulations. The Board has determined that all Audit Committee members are “audit committee financial experts” under SEC rules and regulations. Number of Meetings in fiscal year 2025: 4 Key Roles and Responsibilities: • Oversee the quality and integrity of our financial statements; • Review the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent auditor; • Assist in the evaluation and management of the Company’s financial risks; • Assist with our accounting, financial and external reporting policies and practices; • Oversee the performance of our internal audit function; • Maintain our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including without limitation any requirements promulgated by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board; and • Prepare the report of the Audit Committee required to be included in our annual proxy statement. Role in Risk Oversight The Audit Committee’s role in risk oversight includes oversight of the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, internal controls and legal and regulatory compliance. | ||
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Compensation Committee Members: Lincoln Benet (Chair) Val Blavatnik Mathias Döpfner Ceci Kurzman As a controlled company, we are not required to have a fully independent Compensation Committee. Mr. Döpfner and Ms. Kurzman are the independent members of the Compensation Committee. Number of Meetings in fiscal year 2025: 2 Key Roles and Responsibilities: • Be responsible for general oversight of compensation and compensation-related matters; • Prepare any report on executive compensation required by the rules and regulations of the SEC for inclusion in our annual proxy statement; and • Take such other actions relating to our compensation and benefits structure as the Compensation Committee deems necessary or appropriate. Role in Risk Oversight The Compensation Committee’s role in risk oversight includes oversight of compensation and other related matters. | ||
Executive Committee Members: Michael Lynton (Chair) Len Blavatnik Val Blavatnik Lincoln Benet Nancy Dubuc Donald A. Wagner Number of Meetings in fiscal year 2025: 0 Key Roles and Responsibilities Exercise the authority of the Board in oversight of the Company between meetings of the Board to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. | ||
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Finance Committee Members: Donald A. Wagner (Chair) Michael Lynton Robert Kyncl Number of Meetings in fiscal year 2025: 0 (The Finance Committee or a subcommittee thereof acted numerous times during fiscal year 2025 by unanimous written consent) Key Roles and Responsibilities • Assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight of management’s responsibilities with respect to financial matters and the Company’s capital structure, including declaration of dividends and strategies that bear upon our long-term financial sustainability. Role in Risk Oversight The Finance Committee oversees risks related to liquidity and capital management. | ||
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Members: Lincoln Benet (Chair) Noreena Hertz Ynon Kreiz Ceci Kurzman Donald A. Wagner As a controlled company, we are not required to have a fully independent Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Kreiz and Mses. Hertz and Kurzman are the independent members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Number of Meetings in fiscal year 2025: 1 (The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also acted once during fiscal year 2025 by unanimous written consent) Key Roles and Responsibilities • Identify individuals qualified and suitable to become members of the Board and recommend to the Board the director nominees for each annual meeting of stockholders; • Develop and recommend to the Board a set of corporate governance principles applicable to us; • Oversee and guide environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) matters; and • Take a leadership role in shaping our corporate governance policies. Role in Risk Oversight The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees risks related to Board governance, succession planning for the Board and its Committees and the Company’s corporate governance framework. | ||
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Name | Age | Position | ||||
Robert Kyncl | 55 | Chief Executive Officer | ||||
Carianne Marshall | 48 | Co-Chair and Chief Operating Officer, Warner Chappell Music | ||||
Guy Moot | 60 | Co-Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Warner Chappell Music | ||||
Armin Zerza | 56 | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||||
Maria Osherova | 60 | Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer | ||||
Paul M. Robinson | 67 | Executive Vice President and General Counsel | ||||
Carletta Higginson | 48 | Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer | ||||
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• | all directors comprising the Board at such time as long as Access holds at least 50% of the total combined voting power of our outstanding common stock; |
• | at least 40% of the total number of directors comprising the Board at such time as long as Access holds at least 40% but less than 50% of the total combined voting power of our outstanding common stock; |
• | at least 30% of the total number of directors comprising the Board at such time as long as Access holds at least 30% but less than 40% of the total combined voting power of our outstanding common stock; |
• | at least 20% of the total number of directors comprising the Board at such time as long as Access holds at least 20% but less than 30% of the total combined voting power of our outstanding common stock; |
• | and at least 10% of the total number of directors comprising the Board at such time as long as Access holds at least 10% but less than 20% of the total combined voting power of our outstanding common stock. |
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• | any merger, consolidation or similar transaction (or any amendment to or termination of an agreement to enter into such a transaction) with or into any other person whether in a single transaction or a series of transactions, other than any acquisition or disposition involving consideration less than $25 million; |
• | any acquisition or disposition of securities, assets or liabilities involving consideration or book value greater than $25 million; |
• | any change in our authorized capital stock or the creation of any new class or series of our capital stock; |
• | any issuance or acquisition of capital stock (including stock buy-backs, redemptions or other reductions of capital), or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock or equity-linked securities, except (i) issuances of equity awards to directors or employees pursuant to an equity compensation plan approved by the Board; (ii) issuances or acquisitions of capital stock of one of our subsidiaries to or by one of our wholly owned subsidiaries; and (iii) issuances or acquisitions of capital stock that the Board determines are necessary to maintain compliance with covenants contained in any debt instrument; |
• | any issuance or acquisition (including redemptions, prepayments, open market or negotiated repurchases or other transactions reducing the outstanding debt of the Company or any subsidiary) of debt securities to or from a third party involving an aggregate principal amount exceeding $25 million; |
• | any other incurrence of a debt obligation to or from a third party having a principal amount greater than $25 million; |
• | entry into or termination of any joint venture or similar business alliance having a value exceeding $25 million; |
• | listing or delisting of any securities on a securities exchange, other than the listing or delisting of debt securities on Nasdaq or any other securities exchange located solely in the United States; |
• | (i) any action to increase or decrease the size of the Board; (ii) the formation of, or delegation of authority to, any new committee, or subcommittee thereof, of the Board; (iii) the delegation of authority to any existing committee or subcommittee thereof not set forth in the committee’s charter or authorized by the Board; or (iv) any amendments to the charter (or equivalent authorizing document) of any committee, including any action to increase or decrease size of any committee (whether by amendment or otherwise), except in each case as required by applicable law; |
• | any amendment (or approval or recommendation of any amendment) to our certificate of incorporation or by-laws; |
• | any filing or petition under bankruptcy laws, admission of insolvency or similar actions by us or any of our subsidiaries, or our dissolution or winding-up; |
• | the election, appointment, hiring, dismissal or removal of the Company’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer or general counsel; |
• | any material change in a significant accounting policy of the Company and any termination or change of the Company’s independent auditor; |
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• | settlement of any litigation to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party involving the payment by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of an amount equal to or greater than $15 million; or |
• | the creation or amendment of any stock option, employee stock purchase or similar equity-based plan for management or employees, or any increase in the number of Shares of common stock reserved under such plan. |
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• | this Proxy Statement; |
• | a notice of our 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (which is attached to this Proxy Statement); and |
• | the Annual Report to Stockholders for 2025. |
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![]() | Internet Please log on to www.proxyvote.com and vote by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on March 2, 2026. | ||
![]() | Telephone Please call the number on your proxy card until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on March 2, 2026. | ||
![]() | Mail If you received printed copies of the proxy materials, please complete, sign and return your proxy card by mail to Vote Processing c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717 so that it is received by the Company prior to the Annual Meeting. | ||
![]() | In Person You may attend the virtual Annual Meeting and cast your vote. | ||
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• | our inability to compete successfully in the highly competitive markets in which we operate; |
• | our ability to identify, sign and retain recording artists and songwriters and the existence or absence of superstar releases |
• | slower growth in streaming adoption and revenue; |
• | our dependence on a limited number of digital music services for the online distribution and marketing of our music and their ability to significantly influence the pricing structure for online music stores; |
• | the popular demand for particular recording artists and/or songwriters and music and the timely delivery to us of music by major recording artists and/or songwriters; |
• | risks related to the effects of climate change and natural or man-made disasters; |
• | the diversity and quality of our recording artists, songwriters and releases; |
• | trends, developments or other events in the United States and in some foreign countries in which we operate, including the impact of tariffs imposed or threatened by the U.S. or foreign governments; |
• | risks associated with our non-U.S. operations, including limited legal protections of our intellectual property rights and restrictions on the repatriation of capital; |
• | unfavorable currency exchange rate fluctuations; |
• | the impact of heightened and intensive competition in the recorded music and music publishing industries and our inability to execute our business strategy; |
• | significant fluctuations in our operations, cash flows and the trading price of our common stock from period to period; |
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• | our failure to attract and retain our executive officers and other key personnel; |
• | a significant portion of our revenues are subject to rate regulation either by government entities or by local third-party collecting societies throughout the world and rates on other income streams may be set by governmental proceedings, which may limit our profitability; |
• | risks associated with obtaining, maintaining, protecting and enforcing our intellectual property rights; |
• | our involvement in intellectual property litigation; |
• | threats to our business associated with digital piracy, including organized industrial piracy; |
• | risks associated with the development and use of artificial intelligence; |
• | an impairment in the carrying value of goodwill or other intangible and long-lived assets; |
• | the impact of, and risks inherent in, acquisitions or other business combinations; |
• | risks inherent to our outsourcing certain finance and accounting functions; |
• | the fact that we have engaged in substantial restructuring activities in the past, and may need to implement further restructurings in the future and our restructuring efforts may not be successful or generate expected cost savings; |
• | our and our service providers’ ability to maintain the security of information relating to our customers, employees and vendors and our music; |
• | risks related to evolving laws and regulations concerning data privacy which might result in increased regulation and different industry standards; |
• | new legislation that affects the terms of our contracts with recording artists and songwriters; |
• | a potential loss of catalog if it is determined that recording artists have a right to recapture U.S. rights in their recordings under the U.S. Copyright Act; |
• | any delays and difficulties in satisfying obligations incident to being a public company; |
• | the impact of our substantial leverage on our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, on our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry and on our ability to meet our obligations under our indebtedness; |
• | the ability to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, and the risk that we may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful; |
• | the fact that our debt agreements contain restrictions that may limit our flexibility in operating our business; |
• | the significant amount of cash required to service our indebtedness and the ability to generate cash or refinance indebtedness as it becomes due depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control; |
• | our indebtedness levels, and the fact that we may be able to incur substantially more indebtedness, which may increase the risks created by our substantial indebtedness; |
• | risks of downgrade, suspension or withdrawal of the rating assigned by a rating agency to us could impact our cost of capital; |
• | the dual class structure of our common stock and Access’s existing ownership of our Class B Common Stock have the effect of concentrating control over our management and affairs and over matters requiring stockholder approval with Access; |
• | the fact that we maintain certain cash deposits in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Commission insurance limits, which could have an adverse effect on liquidity and financial performance in the event of a bank failure or receivership; and |
• | risks related to other factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2025. |
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FAQ
What is Warner Music Group (WMG) asking shareholders to vote on in the 2026 proxy?
Stockholders are being asked to vote on two proposals: 1) the election of eleven directors for a one-year term ending at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and 2) the ratification of KPMG LLP as WMG’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2026. The Board recommends voting FOR all nominees and FOR the auditor ratification.
When and how will Warner Music Group’s 2026 annual meeting be held?
The 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time as a virtual-only meeting. Stockholders can attend online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/WMG2026 and may vote via the internet, telephone, mail (for holders receiving paper materials), or during the virtual meeting, following the instructions provided with their proxy materials.
Who are the director nominees listed in Warner Music Group’s 2026 proxy?
The proxy nominates eleven directors to serve until the 2027 annual meeting: Robert Kyncl, Lincoln Benet, Len Blavatnik, Val(entin) Blavatnik, Mathias Döpfner, Nancy Dubuc, Noreena Hertz, Ynon Kreiz, Ceci Kurzman, Michael Lynton and Donald A. Wagner. The Board states that these nominees collectively provide skills in music and entertainment, senior management, finance, capital markets, and strategic planning, and recommends a FOR vote for each.
How concentrated is ownership of Warner Music Group’s voting power according to the proxy?
As of January 6, 2026, there were 146,960,699 shares of Class A common stock and 375,380,313 shares of Class B common stock outstanding. AI Entertainment Holdings LLC beneficially owned 372,600,227 Class B shares, representing 99.3% of the Class B common stock, and Len Blavatnik was reported as beneficial owner of 374,517,252 Class B shares, or 99.8% of that class, reflecting continued control by Access-related entities.
What executive compensation did Warner Music Group report for CEO Robert Kyncl in fiscal 2025?
For fiscal 2025, CEO Robert Kyncl received a salary of
What auditor fees did Warner Music Group pay KPMG in 2025 and 2024?
For the years ended
What CEO pay ratio does Warner Music Group disclose for fiscal 2025?
Using its global employee population of approximately 5,500 employees as of



