Warner Music Group has appointed longtime Billboard editor Hannah Karp as its new executive vice president and chief communications officer, the company announced on Tuesday (Jan. 20). Karp, who begins Jan. 26, joins WMG’s executive leadership team after nearly a decade at the trade publication, where she most recently served as editor‑in‑chief. She will be based in New York and report directly to CEO Robert Kyncl.
In her new role, Karp will lead WMG’s global communications and brand marketing strategy, overseeing internal and external messaging across the company’s portfolio. Her remit also includes managing corporate philanthropy initiatives and the company’s slate of special events.
“Hannah’s expert insights, sharp instincts, and innovative approach to storytelling make her the ideal leader to help shape and communicate our future-focused vision during a time of rapid and dynamic evolution,” Kyncl said in a statement, noting her broad industry relationships and editorial experience.
Karp joined Billboard in 2017 as news director before being elevated to editorial director/EIC the following year. She oversaw content across Billboard’s digital, social and print platforms, guiding coverage for a fast‑growing global audience of fans, industry professionals and creators.
Prior to Billboard, she spent more than a decade at The Wall Street Journal, where she covered the music business, sports, financial news, national reporting and lifestyle. Her work included breaking news, narrative features, coverage of earnings and industry trends, and she earned the Newswoman’s Club of New York’s Front Page Award in 2011 for sports reporting. A Berkeley, Calif., native, Karp holds a B.A. in economics from Duke University and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.
News of her appointment comes as Billboard announced its own leadership changes. The company has promoted Leila Cobo and Jason Lipshutz to co‑chief content officers, effective immediately. The pair will jointly oversee all editorial content, newsroom operations and marquee franchises including Women in Music, Latin Music Week and The Stage at SXSW. Cobo, previously chief content officer for Billboard Latin, will continue to lead Latin coverage and add country to her portfolio. Lipshutz, formerly executive director of music, will maintain oversight of pop while adding rock, hip‑hop and dance. Both executives will report to Billboard CEO Mike Van.
