Warner Music yesterday announced that Exec VP Kevin Liles is stepping down. From his job at the company. Not the table he's been standing on of late. He is leaving the major to pursue his own entrepreneurial projects, though will continue to work for Warner on a freelance consultancy basis. Well, just as soon as he gets down from that table.
Confirming Liles' departure, Warner Music top blokey Edgar B told CMU: "Kevin Liles is an exceptional executive and one of the most dynamically creative individuals in the industry. During his tenure at WMG, he helped to design and implement our industry-leading artist services strategy that in just a few years is already producing meaningful results. With WMG now positioned for future growth, Kevin is following his heart. His presence will be missed in 75 Rock".
In case you think Edgar has gone a bit loopy in that last remark, Warner Music's New York offices are at 75 Rockefeller Plaza. In fact that's where the table Liles has been standing on lives.
Liles himself added: "In the past couple weeks I've made one of the most important decisions of my life - to depart the Warner Music Group in order to focus more on new entrepreneurial endeavours in talent management, entertainment, media and my personal philanthropic and political passions. I am thankful for the opportunities that Edgar and Lyor have given me, most recently in entrusting me with driving the company's global artist services strategy, which is redefining the way labels and artists work together. My work here is now complete and I'm excited about the next chapter of my life".
Liles' table was unavailable for comment.