Isabel Garvey to exit as Chief Operating Officer of Warner Music UK

Isabel Garvey is leaving her role as Chief Operating Officer of London-based Warner Music UK.

In a note sent to Warner Music UK staff on Wednesday morning (October 8), and obtained by MBW, Garvey confirmed that she has decided “to step down from [the] role and leave the company at the end of December”.

Added Garvey: “I’m excited by the prospect of taking on new challenges and believe that this is the right decision for me and for the company”.

Garvey joined WMUK as COO in 2023 and was previously MD of London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios.

Garvey’s decision to stand down from her current role at the end of the year follows the news that Warner’s flagship Atlantic and Warner Records UK labels will be working more closely with their US counterparts, with UK label heads now reporting to US leadership.

Warner Music UK’s other teams, including the shared services that support both labels, will be overseen directly by Simon Robson, President, EMEA, Recorded Music, WMG.

Garvey explained in the internal memo issued on Wednesday that “without a COO role, and our label heads joining the global management teams of Atlantic and Warner Records, the central functions will all be led by Simon, ensuring the new structure is simple and the lines of accountability are clear”.

The changes to WMUK’s operations followed the news that Tony Harlow is leaving his role as CEO of Warner Music UK at the end of October.

In a separate note sent to employees on Wednesday, and obtained by MBW, Simon Robson thanked Garvey “for her tremendous contribution to our business in the UK over recent years”.

“Isabel shaped our approach and culture at a time of seismic change in the industry, and Warner Music has benefited enormously from her strategic thinking and fresh perspective.”

Simon Robson

Added Robson: “Isabel shaped our approach and culture at a time of seismic change in the industry, and Warner Music has benefited enormously from her strategic thinking and fresh perspective.  Please join me in thanking Isabel for her invaluable and ongoing contribution.”

Garvey joined WMUK from Abbey Road Studios, where she was appointed Managing Director in 2014.

Elsewhere in her memo to UK staffers on Wednesday, Garvey noted: “I’ve really enjoyed being part of this stellar team. Through a period of significant change, I’ve been so impressed by your resilience and adaptability, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

“I’ve really enjoyed being part of this stellar team. Through a period of significant change, I’ve been so impressed by your resilience and adaptability, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

Isabel Garvey

Added Garvey: “Over the last three years, we’ve delivered more sophisticated and strategic approaches to building artist careers and brands, backed by deeper consumer insight and smarter, faster decision-making.”

“This has helped us drive historic results for WMUK after landing a 70% share of the Top 10 singles chart earlier this year. And we’ve released culture-defining, chart-topping records in the UK with the likes of Alex Warren, Benson Boone, Charli xcx, Ed Sheeran, Sombr, and Teddy Swims.

“We’ve primed Rhino UK for future growth with a new outlook and strategy, connecting our iconic catalogue with a younger audience like never before. Together, we have navigated a tough market and punched well above our weight.

“Throughout my career, whether leading companies like Warner Music and Abbey Road Studios or building my own business, I’ve always loved being at the intersection of creativity and commerce. That’s where the most impactful innovation happens. And it’s why, however challenging the media landscape is right now, I’m so excited about the future for everyone at WMUK and for myself as I look forward to creating a lasting impact in my next chapter.”

 Music Business Worldwide