Warner Music Central Europe Launches Warner Records Germany in Berlin
Berlin’s music scene just gained a new heavyweight. On 31 August 2026, Warner Music Central Europe announced the official launch of Warner Records Germany, a frontline label that will operate from Berlin and bring the Warner Records brand to the German market.
The new label is headed by Lea Londa, who has been appointed Director of Warner Records Germany. Londa reports to Jean‑Sebastien Permal, Senior Vice President of A&R for Central Europe and EMEA. With 16 years in the industry—most of them with Warner Music Central Europe—Londa rose from Media Manager to Marketing Director. She has overseen promotion campaigns for global acts such as Coldplay, Enya, Ed Sheeran and Linkin Park, and domestic successes like Udo Lindenberg × Apache 207’s “Komet” – the longest‑running No. 1 German single – and the breakthrough of the band Provinz.
Warner Records Germany’s roster is a mix of established and emerging talent. Current “lighthouse” artists include veteran singer‑composer Udo Lindenberg, indie‑pop band Provinz, rising star Yasola and singer‑songwriter LINA. The lineup reflects the label’s stated goal of supporting artists at all career stages.
The launch follows Warner Music Central Europe’s consolidation of its Benelux and GSA recorded‑music businesses under one banner in October 2025. Warner Music Central Europe is one of the three regional divisions of Warner Music Group (WMG), the third‑largest global music company after Universal Music Group and Sony Music Group. WMG owns a portfolio of major labels, including Warner, Elektra, Reprise, Sire, Parlophone and Atlantic, as well as the publishing arm Warner Chappell.
In a statement, Warner Records CEO Aaron Bay‑Schuck and COO Tom Corson said the new German label “reinforces our global commitment to championing creative talent, empowering the German team to discover, nurture, and elevate the next generation of artists both in Germany and on the world stage.”
Lea Londa added that the move “brings the iconic legacy of Warner Records to Germany” and that she is “excited to shape this future with the artists I have worked closely with for years, and to welcome new talent into a true musical home.”
Jean‑Sebastien Permal emphasized that the launch “is a defining step in our growth” and that Londa’s experience and artist‑centric focus make her the right choice to lead the Berlin‑based label.
Niels Walboomers, President of Warner Music Central Europe, concluded that the brand’s introduction “underscores our commitment to the region” and that the new model “puts artists first and drives domestic culture forward.”
The launch aligns with Warner’s strategy to strengthen its presence in key European markets. Warner Records Germany will operate alongside Atlantic Records Germany, which was launched in December 2021 with a focus on German hip‑hop. Both labels are part of Warner’s frontline strategy to support local talent while leveraging the global reach of the Warner brand.
The German music market is one of the largest in Europe, and Warner’s move signals an intent to increase its share of local recordings, publishing and sync opportunities. By combining Warner’s legacy with a dedicated German roster, the company aims to provide a platform that balances heritage acts with emerging voices.
No immediate plans for additional signings or releases were announced, but the label’s first public statements indicate a focus on artist development and market expansion.
As Warner Music Central Europe continues to integrate its regional operations, the launch of Warner Records Germany represents a concrete step toward a more unified European strategy that prioritizes local talent within a global framework.
The current status is that Warner Records Germany is now operational in Berlin with a roster of four core artists and a leadership team that includes Lea Londa and Jean‑Sebastien Permal. Future developments will likely involve additional signings and the rollout of new releases under the Warner Records brand in Germany.
