Robert Kyncl Signs New Employment Agreement at Warner Music Group
Robert Kyncl has secured a new employment agreement as CEO of Warner Music Group (WMG), nearly three years after taking on the role. The details of this agreement were disclosed in a recent filing with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC).
This updated package, finalized on November 24, includes a stock options grant valued at USD $10 million, which is divided into three equal parts. Each tranche will only become exercisable if WMG’s stock reaches specific performance thresholds—8%, 10%, or 12% total shareholder return—for at least 20 consecutive trading days within the next three years.
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Additionally, the agreement introduces a new Performance Stock Unit (PSU) grant of $5 million per year, set to begin in January 2026. This grant will vest after three years based on the achievement of defined financial targets.
Changes to Kyncl’s severance terms have also been made. If he departs without cause, he will receive one year’s total target compensation, 12 months of health coverage, and a pro-rata annual bonus for the year of termination. The SEC filing noted that all other employment terms remain consistent with those previously disclosed.
During Kyncl’s leadership, WMG has seen an increase in annual revenue, climbing from USD $5.92 billion in fiscal 2022 to USD $6.71 billion in fiscal 2025. The company’s recent quarterly earnings report showed an 8.4% year-over-year increase in recorded music subscription streaming revenues, although this statistic is adjusted to exclude the effects of BMG’s deal termination.
In a statement to investors following the earnings report, Kyncl expressed confidence in the company’s strategy, stating that recent financial results validate their approach. He highlighted that it has been a dynamic year for WMG, marked by a $300 million restructuring effort and the initiation of significant AI-related deals.
On a call with investors on November 20, Kyncl discussed efforts to enhance organizational efficiency while simultaneously focusing on growth and market share. He noted a 0.6 percentage point increase in WMG’s U.S. market share compared to the previous year. Globally, the company’s share of the Spotify Top 200 has risen by approximately 6 percentage points since fiscal 2024.
Kyncl praised various divisions within WMG, including Warner Chappell, Atlantic, and Warner Records, for their strong performance across diverse markets and genres. He expressed gratitude toward the leadership team, global operators, and the artists and songwriters contributing to WMG’s ongoing success.
For more insights into Warner Music Group, visit their official site at WMG.
