July 31 - Warner Music Group, the label representing artists such as Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa, announced that Armin Zerza, its finance head and Chief Operating Officer, has decided to step down for personal reasons, effective immediately.
In the wake of Zerza's departure, the company named Chief Accounting Officer Lou Dickler as acting chief financial officer and said it has launched a formal search for a permanent successor. The company added that Zerza, who joined Warner Music as chief financial officer in May 2025 after serving as finance chief at Activision Blizzard, will remain available through the end of the fiscal year to assist with the transition.
As part of the internal reshuffle, Warner Records Chief Operating Officer Tom Corson was promoted to chief operating officer of Warner Music Group. In his new role Corson will report directly to CEO Robert Kyncl. Corson has been with Warner Music Group since 2018 and has held senior leadership positions across major music companies, the company said.
The company framed the moves as immediate steps to ensure continuity in financial oversight and operations while it searches for a permanent finance chief. Lou Dickler will serve in an interim capacity as the formal candidate search proceeds, and Zerza will remain connected to the company through the close of the fiscal year.
Below are the key details provided by the company:
- Armin Zerza, finance head and Chief Operating Officer, stepped down for personal reasons, effective immediately.
- Chief Accounting Officer Lou Dickler has been named acting CFO while a formal search for Zerza's successor is under way.
- Zerza joined Warner Music as CFO in May 2025 after serving as finance chief at Activision Blizzard and will stay available through the fiscal year end.
- Tom Corson, previously Warner Records COO, has been promoted to chief operating officer of Warner Music Group and will report to CEO Robert Kyncl; Corson joined WMG in 2018 and has held senior leadership roles across major music companies.
The company did not provide further detail on the timeline for the formal CFO search or on any successor candidates. Nor did the statement expand on the personal reasons cited for Zerza's departure. These limits were reflected in the information released by Warner Music Group.