Mike Chester has been promoted to general manager of Warner Records, expanding his responsibilities to include digital and viral marketing, as well as artist development, while continuing to oversee promotion and commerce.

Based in Los Angeles, Chester reports to co-chairman & COO Tom Corson and works closely with label CEO & co-chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck on company goals and artist release strategies.

Chester joined Warner in 2018 as executive vp of promotion, later adding commerce to his title in 2021. His leadership has been instrumental in Warner Records’ revitalization, earning him recognition as Billboard‘s Executive of the Week following a barrage of midyear wins in 2024.

Before Warner, he served as senior vp at Scooter Braun’s SB Projects, working with Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, and spent over a decade at Def Jam Recordings. He began his career at Arista Records before moving to Atlantic and then Def Jam in 2004.

Corson and Bay-Schuck praised Chester’s leadership, artist relations expertise, and strategic vision, crediting him with playing a key role in Warner’s resurgence. 

“He possesses extraordinary leadership qualities, has excellent artist relations skills, and knows how to balance all with confidence, compassion, and integrity,” they said. “He is an invaluable member of our senior management team and we know he will continue to thrive and innovate in his new role.”

Chester also shared his excitement about the new role, emphasizing Warner’s dedication to artist development and innovation.

“The team here at Warner is phenomenal, and our artist roster – from emerging talent to superstars – is second to none,” he said. “We pride ourselves on being the premiere artist development label, and we constantly discover new avenues in which to bring even more music to fans. I’m excited to continue promoting, innovating, and building careers in this dynamic and rapidly expanding musical environment.”