Stephen F. Cooper has been the CEO of Warner Music Group since 2011. His leadership began during a significant transformation period for the company, which has seen remarkable growth under his guidance. He earned a B.A. from Occidental College and...
Stephen F. Cooper has been the CEO of Warner Music Group since 2011. His leadership began during a significant transformation period for the company, which has seen remarkable growth under his guidance. He earned a B.A. from Occidental College and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business, grounding him in finance and strategic thinking. In 2023, Cooper’s total compensation reached over $10 million, showcasing his alignment with the company's performance-driven culture. Interestingly, in 2022, his annual bonus was tied to the value of Warner Music's stock, with the market performance reflecting the overall health of the business. Cooper also navigated the company through the challenges of COVID-19, focusing on maintaining operations and supporting artists during tough times. With his retirement coming up in early 2023, Cooper will transition out but stay as a consultant to help with the leadership change. His role has significantly impacted the music industry, marking WMG as one of the leading players in music rights and services globally.