From Warner’s EMP sell-off to Universal Music’s Briegmann promotion… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-Up

This week, Warner Music Group sold EMP, the German rock and metal merch retailer it acquired for $180 million in 2018, to whynow, the media and commerce company founded by Gabe Jagger.

Meanwhile, Tomas Ericsson is stepping down as CEO of digital collection society amra after more than a decade, with COO Robin Davies lined up to succeed him.

Elsewhere, Universal Music Group promoted Frank Briegmann to Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada & Deutsche Grammophon.

Also this week, Sonny Takhar was named Chairman and CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland. He’ll report to Val Blavatnik, and will take up the role in January 2027.

Plus: Japan’s Avex increased its ownership of Brandon Silverstein’s S10 Entertainment to 85%, with an agreement to reach 100% ownership over time.

Here are some of our biggest headlines from the past few days…

1. Warner sells EMP, the merch business it acquired for $180M in 2018, to whynow, owned by Mick Jagger’s son Gabe Jagger

Warner Music Group has sold EMP, the Germany-based rock and metal merchandise retailer it acquired for USD $180 million in 2018.

The buyer is whynow, the London-headquartered media and commerce company founded by Gabe Jagger, son of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.

MBW first reported that an EMP sale was on the cards in August 2025, after Warner booked a $70 million pre-tax impairment charge on what its filings called “non-core e-tailer operations.” (MBW)

2. After more than a decade as CEO of amra, Tomas Ericsson moves to Chairman, as Robin Davies takes over as CEO

Tomas Ericsson is stepping down as CEO of amra.

The global digital collection society said on Tuesday (September 29) that Ericsson will leave the role effective January 1, 2027, after more than a decade in charge.

He will become Chairman of the Board at amra. (MBW)

3. Frank Briegmann promoted to Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada & Deutsche Grammophon

Universal Music Group has promoted Frank Briegmann to Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada & Deutsche Grammophon.

The appointment, announced on Thursday (October 1), expands the remit of Briegmann, who will continue to report to Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group.

Briegmann was previously Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon. (MBW)

4. Sonny Takhar named Chairman and CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland

Sonny Takhar has been named Chairman and CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland.

Takhar will take up the role in January 2027, overseeing creative direction, artist development, and strategic operations across WMG’s recorded music footprint in the UK, the world’s third-largest music market, and Ireland.

Takhar will report to Val Blavatnik, who was confirmed last week in a new position as Managing Director of Warner Music North America, UK & Corporate Development. (MBW)

5. Avex ups ownership stake in Brandon Silverstein’s S10 Entertainment, with an agreement to reach 100% over time

Japanese entertainment company Avex Inc. has increased its ownership of S10 Entertainment, the management company founded by Brandon Silverstein.

The Tokyo-listed firm has bought shares in S10 from Silverstein and his partners. The deal increases Avex’s ownership in S10 to 85%, with an agreement to reach 100% ownership over time.

Avex did not name the selling partners. Roc Nation has been a partner in S10’s management business alongside Silverstein since 2017. (MBW)