James Steven Stepping Down as Warner Music’s Chief Communications Officer, Read His Farewell Note

James Steven, Warner Music Group‘s longtime chief communications officer/EVP and a nearly 20-year veteran of the company, is stepping down from his post. While his next destination has not been announced, multiple sources say he will be taking on a similar role at Universal Music Group, where he will rejoin Will Tanous, his former boss at Warner.

A U.K. native, Steven worked with PR and marketing agencies before joining Warner in 2007 as part of the company’s international communications team based in London. He relocated to New York five years later and became chief communications officer upon Tanous’ departure in 2013. In the dozen years since then he has strategized and led WMG’s messaging with a firm yet empathetic voice and unfailing good humor, through the consolidation of streaming, a pandemic, an IPO, the emergence of AI and more.

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His note to staff and associates follows below in full.

I think that leaving notes can be summed up in either three words or two. This is a three-word version — an “I love you” — and here’s where that love came from.

I was about 13 when I stumbled into The Doors — the first band beyond my generation that cracked open entirely new worlds: Nico. Warhol. William Blake. They even led me to Jac Holzman.

I read that Jac went back to the Whisky a Go Go four times before signing the band. I couldn’t believe it. That’s a job? Did people that cool really exist?

When I arrived at Warner, Jac himself became the answer. His insatiable curiosity, always leaning into the future. His trust in the process. His elegance and empathy.

This is a person who founded not one, but three unicorns: Elektra, Nonesuch, WEA. Jac isn’t just someone I admire — he’s an idea. An idea of what music people can be. As he says: Look after the music, and the music will look after you.

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with extraordinary music leaders of this era: your work speaks for itself. I’ve also met people across WMG — and throughout the wider industry  — who sacrifice for music every day. Whether we’ve worked closely or crossed paths briefly, I’ve seen my job as promoting and protecting you all.

That’s something I’m excited to keep growing in what comes next — because a strong story, told with care over time, builds belief, memory, and the accumulation of choices made in service of a shared purpose.

This job changed my life and carried me halfway around the world.

To my five bosses — Mel Fox, Will Tanous, Brian Roberts, Steve Cooper, and Robert Kyncl — thank you for your trust, generosity, and for teaching me so much.

To the Blavatniks, Access, and the Board of Directors — thank you for your faith in music and stewardship of something that truly matters.

To my amazing colleagues on the ELT, thank you for the teamwork. When it all clicks, it’s a beautiful sound — with a special shout-out to my OGs, Masha and Paul.

To the Comms team, present and past — a group defined not just by talent, but by an instinct for when to speak and when to listen. You help shape how Warner shows up in the world, and I’m deeply grateful for the care you bring to the work and to one another. I’ll miss you.

And to everyone who welcomed me, supported me, challenged me, or simply showed up when needed: thank you. I’ve made lifelong friends here — people I trust completely, with whom I’ve shared real moments of life and loss. You know who you are. I hope you know how much it means.

With love and deep gratitude,

James