There’s a change on Warner Music Group‘s board: 25-year-old Valentin (Val) Blavatnik is in as a board director, as Alex Blavatnik stands down.
Val Blavatnik joins fellow WMG board members including Michael Lynton (Chairman), Len Blavatnik (Vice Chairman), plus Lincoln Benet, Mathias Döpfner, Nancy Dubuc, Noreena Hertz, Ynon Kreiz, Ceci Kurzman, Robert Kyncl, and Donald A. Wagner.
He has also been appointed to WMG’s Executive Committee.
Alex Blavatnik has served as a director of WMG since July 2011, when Access Industries completed its acquisition of the company. In an SEC filing today (April 27), WMG made clear to investors: “Alex Blavatnik’s decision to resign from the board was not the result of any disagreement with the company or the board.”
Since 2021, Val Blavatnik has served on the investment team at LionTree, focused on the media and technology industries.
Since 2020, he has also been a production executive at Eden Productions, a TV and film production company founded by Richard Plepler.
In addition, he is a member of the Executive Committee at Access Industries.
From 2016 to 2019, Blavatnik worked in the music industry, primarily as an artist manager.
He’s also a credited co-songwriter on tracks such as I’ve Been Waiting by Lil Peep & ILoveMakonnen, plus Post Malone’s Goodbyes.
Michael Lynton, WMG’s Chairman of the Board, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Val to the WMG Board. His experience working with a variety of companies as well as directly with artists makes him well-suited to his new post. He’ll also bring a fresh perspective as we chart the future of WMG. We’re incredibly grateful to Alex for his wisdom, guidance, and enthusiasm over the past 12 years, as the company has grown and thrived in the streaming era.”
Val Blavatnik said: “I’m excited to be joining the Board during this dynamic, transformational time at WMG, with so many innovative opportunities ahead for artists and songwriters. I’ve previously worked on artist projects with the senior team, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with the impressive group of leaders on the Board.”
Since its founding in 2020, Val Blavatnik – son of Len – has served on the Board of Directors of the Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, which supports organizations working in historically underserved and marginalized communities.
Blavatnik graduated cum laude with a BA in Cinematic Arts from the University of Southern California. He is the son of Access Industries Founder & Chairman, Sir Leonard Blavatnik.Music Business Worldwide
