Warner Chappell Music launches direct India operations

The move strengthens Warner Music Group’s integrated creator ecosystem in India, aligning publishing and recorded music under unified leadership.

Warner Chappell Music, the global publishing division of Warner Music Group, has announced the launch of direct operations in India, transitioning from its earlier sub-publishing model to a full-scale, direct-to-market presence. The move is positioned as a strategic step to enhance access for Indian songwriters to global creative networks and advanced rights management infrastructure.

As part of the expansion, Jay Mehta, managing director of Warner Music India since 2020, has been appointed to lead the new division. In his expanded role, Mehta will oversee both recorded music and publishing operations across India and neighbouring South Asian markets. This unified leadership structure is designed to offer a seamless ecosystem for creators, integrating both master recordings and compositions within a single framework.

Mehta will report jointly to Guy Moot, co-chair and ceo of Warner Chappell Music, and Lo Ting-Fai, president, Warner Music APAC. The structure reflects a coordinated approach to managing creative, commercial, and licensing functions across the region.

The launch comes at a significant time for India’s music economy. According to CISAC data, domestic creator collections reached INR 7 billion (approximately US$75 million) in 2024, marking a 42% year-on-year increase. India is now ranked as the world’s 15th largest recorded music market, according to IFPI. The evolving consumption landscape also highlights diversification, with Bollywood soundtracks accounting for less than half of digital consumption, compared to 80% previously, as independent and non-film music gains prominence. Domestic repertoire contributes 89% of all music streaming, alongside a shift from advertising-supported models to paid subscriptions.

The move to direct operations enables Warner Chappell Music to deliver more localised and data-driven engagement with creators. Songwriters signed to WCM India will gain access to advanced studio facilities at the company’s Mumbai headquarters, positioning the brand as a provider of both infrastructure and creative support. The company states it remains the only major music firm in India offering such a localised, high-tech creative hub.

The transition also introduces proprietary technology platforms to the Indian market. These include Global Match, an AI-driven royalty matching tool, the Client Portal for real-time visibility into earnings and catalogue performance, and Pulse, a client app developed with direct input from songwriters. These tools are intended to enhance transparency, accuracy, and engagement, aligning with broader industry trends around data-led creator services and platform integration.

Jay Mehta, managing director, recorded music and publishing, India and SAARC, WMG, said, "India’s songwriters are world-class, constantly redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries. By establishing a direct footprint for Warner Chappell, we’re bridging the gap between local brilliance and global opportunity. We’re now positioned to offer Indian creators the sophisticated resources and international reach that only a world-leading publisher can provide, ensuring their music resonates on a global stage."

Guy Moot, co-chair and ceo, and Carianne Marshall, co-chair and coo of Warner Chappell Music, added, "India has some of the most talented songwriters in the world, and they are increasingly making their mark globally. What excites us most about this move is not just the expansion of our presence, but the opportunity to help shape an evolving publishing ecosystem that truly works for creators and ensures their music is heard, protected, and rewarded everywhere. With Jay Mehta at the helm and our global team behind him, our songwriters couldn’t be in better hands.”

Robert Kyncl, ceo of Warner Music Group, concluded, "India is a key part of our global growth strategy, and the talent emerging there is truly world-class. By bringing our publishing and recorded music operations under Jay Mehta’s proven leadership, we’re creating a unified powerhouse that can better serve creators and fans alike. This is the right moment to double down on our investment in India’s vibrant creative economy."

The launch underscores a broader shift in the global music industry towards integrated, creator-first ecosystems that combine content, rights, data, and distribution within a single operational framework.