Music executive Alain Veille has been named president of Warner Music France. 

He will succeed Thierry Chassagne, who is retiring after 35 years in the music business.  Veille is currently managing director, digital and export director for the company. The change will take effect on Jan. 1, and Veille will report to Stu Bergen, chief executive officer, international and global commercial services, Warner Music.   

Warner Music is exhibiting at Festival of Licensing, the month-long virtual celebration of the global licensing industry, which takes place online Oct. 6-29. It’s free to register and attend via www.festivaloflicensing.com.

“I’ve loved leading the passionate and inspired team at Warner Music France over the last 16 years,” says Chassagne. “We’re a real family and look after each other – no more so than in the last few months.  I leave the music industry with immense gratitude to all the people with whom I’ve worked over the years.  I was lucky enough to be able to make my passion my profession, alongside inspiring and legendary artists.  I’m confident that Alain, with who I’ve worked for many years, will successfully take on the challenge of running Warner Music France.”

Chassagne was the longest-serving leader in Warner Music France’s history. He leaves on a high note with preliminary figures suggesting 2019/20 will prove to be the brands most successful financial year ever. He took over the running of the company in 2004 and oversaw its merger with Parlophone in 2013.

Over the course of his career, Chassagne has been instrumental in the success of many artists such as Amir, Aya Nakamura, Christophe Maé, Ninho, Passi, and Soprano. He has worked with icons such as Alain Souchon, Jean-Louis Aubert, Johnny Hallyday, Julien Clerc, NTM, Pascal Obispo, Renaud, Serge Lama and Véronique Sanson. Chassagne also developed the French careers of international artists such as Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, James Blunt, Oasis, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Muse.

“This is a historic day for our business in France,” says Bergen. “Alain is the perfect choice to build on Thierry’s legacy and support our artists and team today and in the future […]Thierry is a legendary music man who has made deep and long-lasting contributions not only to our company, but to the fabric of the French music industry during a period of unprecedented transformation in the business.  He’s also been a true friend to me over the years, as well as a mentor to generations of rising talent within the business.  He never forgets that this is a people business and always takes the time to get to know everyone personally. Three years ago, I had the privilege of being in Paris when Thierry was made a Knight of the National Order of Merit by the president of France – a richly deserved honor for an incomparable music lover and brilliant leader.  I wish him a long and healthy retirement.”

Alain Veille began his music career in 1993 at Sony Music France, where he undertook special marketing projects.  He moved to Universal Music France in 1997, spending four years at the company, overseeing areas such as TV marketing. He joined Warner Music Group in 2001 as managing director of WEA France, just as the company was beginning its evolution from a traditional physical distribution arm to a full services organization encompassing advertising, business development, content creation, CRM, data management, D2C and social media.

“I’m delighted to have been invited to take on the Presidency of Warner Music France,” says Veille.  “It’s not just a senior leadership role; it’s an opportunity to help shape the culture of our country and elevate our fantastic artists onto the global stage. I want to thank Thierry for his leadership and friendship over so many years.  He’s taught me so much, and I wish him great happiness for many years to come.  And I thank Stu for this wonderful new opportunity.” 

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