Robert Kyncl is leaving YouTube. Expect the ‘is THIS the new CEO of Warner Music Group?’ rumor mill to gather pace.

There was a moment in recent history when Robert Kyncl was the only high-ranking person at YouTube tasked with interacting most often with the music industry.

That changed largely in 2016 when Kyncl welcome! music biz veterinarian Lyor Cohen to YouTube as service of Global music director.

Since then, Kyncl’s direct dealings with powerful music rights holders have dwindled somewhat, but – as YouTube’s Chief Business Officer – his global influence at Alphabet/Google-Company ownership has continued to grow.

Until now – when we know that Kyncl will officially step down from his role at YouTube after 12 years with the platform.

As first reported by DiversityThe news of Kyncl’s departure was confirmed today by YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki (August 29).

In an internal note to employees, Wojcicki wrote: “After 12 years of building YouTube’s business into the powerhouse it is today, with its global talent pool, millions of successful creators and With strong partnerships with many industries, Robert has decided to leave YouTube in 2023 to start the next chapter in his career. “

What will the next chapter be about? We shall see.

Of course, there are many possibilities for Kyncl to be born in the United States and his next one is in Media Land.

However, it would be remiss of MBW not to remind you that, earlier this summer, we have listed 53 executives that Warner Music GroupThe Board of Directors can be considered as the new CEO of the company, after exit plan of the current boss of WMG, Steve Cooper.

Robert Kyncl is on that list.

Kyncl thus became the first potential new WMG CEO to be seriously encouraged to publicly quit their current jobs.

More tantalizing to such speculations: The fact that Kyncl remains part of YouTube’s executive team until next year.

Warner has confirmed that it is in no rush to move Steve Cooper out of his business and into the new CEO.

Also: executives who resign, move on to join new companies, are rarely allowed out of the company’s soft shackles so quickly.

The fact that Kyncl waited more than 4 months to officially leave YouTube can speak for itself.

Considering the possibility of Kyncl joining Warner as their new CEO? Something.

First: Kyncl’s withdrawal from YouTube was only announced two months after Steve Cooper confirmed it his own departure from his current employer.

In a memo to Warner employees in June, Cooper said: “The process of finding a new CEO will take time, and we will consider candidates both internally and externally. We expect the transition to happen by the end of 2023.”

Sounds like an exhaustive search is planned, doesn’t it?

Will Warner really give up that grueling search for a “you’re hired!” Loud and noisy or not! simply if an executive of Kyncl’s caliber is ready?

“After an incredible 12 years, I’ve decided to move on to the next challenge soon.”

Robert Kyncl, confirmed his name from YouTube today

The rapid hiring of a new executive for a publicly traded organization like WMG also seems unlikely for other reasons.

By trading on Nasdaq, Warner operates under the supervision of institutional and individual shareholders. Trustees are tasked with making important, well-thought-out decisions on their behalf.

In other words, don’t bet on Kyncl joining WMG.

Unless you like an adventure with long odds, that is. In that case, sure, throw down some chips.

Comment As he left YouTube today, Kyncl said: “YouTube is a great place to be and a great place to be!

After an incredible 12 years, I decided to move on to the next challenge soon.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside creators, artists, media and music companies to transform media.”

In addition to his dealings with the music industry on YouTube music licensing and content ID, Kyncl – who has worked at Netflix before joining YouTube in 2010 – was also responsible for leading the creation of YouTube’s original content team in recent years.

In Susan Wojcicki’s memo today, the YouTube CEO confirmed that Kyncl will succeed Mary Ellen Coe’s current role.

Coe will be promoted to Chief Sales Officer at YouTube from his role as President of Customer Solutions at Google. She has worked for the past 10 years at Google.

You can read Susan Wojcicki’s full memo announcing the passing of Robert Kyncl below.

Hi guys,

After 12 years building YouTube’s business into the powerhouse it is today, with its global talent pool, millions of successful creators, and strong partnerships across multiple industries, Robert has decided to leave YouTube in 2023 to start the next chapter in his career. Under his leadership, YouTube has forged new relationships and partnerships in music, traditional media, and technology, and our creator ecosystem – without him, the art The term “Youtuber” would not be an official term. Thanks to Robert and his leadership team, we are making a meaningful contribution to the media industry, having paid out over $30 billion to creators, artists, and media companies over the past 3 years. past year. We owe a lot to our growth and impact on Robert’s leadership, and I wanted to celebrate his amazing contribution to YouTube.

Change gives us the opportunity to check where we are and where we need to be, and I’m really excited to share that we’ve hired a new Sales Director, Mary Ellen Coe, to lead. business organizations. Mary Ellen has been with Google for 10 years, most recently as President of Customer Solutions at GBO (Global Business Organization), serving millions of customers and thousands of partners globally. She has extensive experience working with small businesses and is able to bring that expertise into our work with creators, many of whom are small businesses of their own. Prior to Google, she worked across consumer, media and technology for over a decade as a McKinsey & Company Partner. I have had the honor of working with Mary Ellen over the years and she is a smart, effective leader who cares deeply about our users and her people. She will start on October 3, and Christina, Gautam, Lyor, Pedro, Tara, and our newly hired VP of Product Partnerships, Miguel, will report to her.

Given the complexities of our business, I appreciate that Robert will continue to work hard to ensure a smooth leadership transition and complete key projects in the relationship. products and music.

I want to thank Robert for his dedication to YouTube throughout the years. He is so special to what he does and I am grateful for the many years we have been able to work together. I will miss his genuineness, authenticity and humor – he was quite funny!

And join me in welcoming Mary Ellen to YouTube.

Thank you,
SusanWorldwide music business