Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the global publishing arm of Warner Music Group (WMG), has launched direct operations in India, marking a shift from its earlier sub-publishing model to a full-scale, on-ground presence. The move is aimed at giving Indian songwriters direct access to WCM’s global creative network and rights management infrastructure.
Jay Mehta, Managing Director of Warner Music India since its 2020 launch, will lead the new division. In an expanded mandate, Mehta will oversee both recorded music and publishing operations across India and neighbouring South Asian markets. The unified structure is designed to offer creators an integrated ecosystem spanning master recordings and compositions. He will report jointly to Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO of WCM, and Lo Ting-Fai, President of WMG APAC.
As part of the expansion, WCM India songwriters will gain exclusive access to state-of-the-art studios at the company’s Mumbai headquarters, making WMG the only major music company in India to offer such a localized, high-tech creative hub.
With the transition to direct operations, WCM will provide both its international roster and local signees with high-touch creative and rights management services, enhanced digital licensing capabilities, and a dedicated Mumbai-based team.
For the first time, Indian songwriters and catalog partners will also have access to WCM’s proprietary technology and administration tools. These include Global Match, the company’s AI-driven royalty matching system; Client Portal, which offers real-time visibility into earnings and catalog performance; and Pulse, a client app developed in collaboration with songwriters. Together, these tools are expected to improve transparency, accuracy and overall efficiency for creators in the Indian market.
Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Recorded Music and Publishing, India and SAARC, WMG, commented, “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 WMG, 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.”
