Schröter Becomes CEO, Gates to Executive Chairman

[PIAS], the bracketed independent music company, has appointed stalwart executive Edwin Schröter as CEO of its [PIAS] Label Group. 

Schröter, a 25‑year veteran of the business, previously served as group managing director, overseeing both the [PIAS] Label Group and Integral Distribution Services. He succeeds co‑founder and former chief Kenny Gates, who transitions into the newly created role of executive chairman, where he will continue to guide strategy while working closely with Schröter, the board and the wider executive team.

The move comes as [PIAS] sharpens its identity as a full‑on label group, following the folding of Integral Distribution Services into UMG’s Virgin Music Group, which consolidates global distribution operations and allows [PIAS] to focus exclusively on its artist‑first ethos and long‑term career development efforts.

Founded in Belgium in 1982 by Gates and Michael Lambot, [PIAS] has grown from a vinyl importer for UK indie labels into a major global recording and marketing force with a wide network of artists and label partners. Gates and Lambot also co‑founded IMPALA in 2000 and played key roles in the creation of Merlin and the Worldwide Independent Network. 

In a statement, Schröter called [PIAS] “a truly music‑first company, created by two visionary entrepreneurs,” adding that he felt “incredibly fortunate” to have built his career alongside “one of the best teams in our industry” while serving its “exceptional artists and labels.” He said he looks forward to leading the company as it “re‑positions itself as an autonomous label group,” emphasizing renewed ambition and a commitment to building on [PIAS]’ legacy as “a premier home for exceptional artists from around the world.”

Gates described the transition as one that brings “clarity of focus and long-term continuity,” calling Schröter’s promotion “well deserved” and crediting him as “key to the success and the changes” of recent decades. He reaffirmed that [PIAS] will continue to be defined by “creative independence, long-term thinking and close collaboration.”

The leadership changes follow the retirement of CFO/COO Nick Hartley, with Aubry Caeymeax named as his successor.