Tony Harlow is stepping down as CEO of Warner Music UK after six years in the role, marking the end of a 15-year tenure at Warner Music Group. He’ll be signing off at the end of October, the company confirmed on Tuesday.

In a memo obtained by Billboard, Harlow described the decision as “bittersweet,” reflecting on his journey from leading Warner Australasia to heading WEA globally, and finally returning to the UK to lead WMUK.

In his message, Harlow emphasized his deep connection to UK music and the company’s culture, saying, “I’ve had a lot of luck in my career… culminating in the opportunity to lead a company I love, full of artists that I care about, back in the country where I was born.” He cited the importance of creating space for the next generation of leaders and expressed pride in the company’s belief in UK talent and its commitment to social impact. He also highlighted working with Warner mainstays like Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Coldplay and Liam Gallagher — and praised initiatives like the Rio Ferdinand Foundation that opened doors for young people in music.

“Our belief in UK talent as the best in the world is unwavering… UK music represents the best of our country, in its ability to mix and match, and bring cultures together,” he wrote. “We’ve seen it so clearly in the high of Brat Summer last year, or the optimism of the Oasis reunion this year. Throughout my career I’ve been lucky enough to be on the front lines as British talent has driven global conversation – whether it be Punk and Post Punk, New Romantics, Two Tone, Grime, Trip Hop, Lovers Rock, Dance Music or BritPop. This country has pulled strands together to make something special and I believe firmly that creativity will rise again.”

He added, “Whatever we’re dealing with, you guys always inspire and support each other, and it’s been a beautiful thing to see and be part of. Everyone can have access to a lot of numbers and data, it’s how to use them that matters – and that’s where you have all made so much difference.”

Harlow became CEO of Warner Music UK in late 2019, following Max Lousada’s departure. His journey with Warner began in 2010 as managing director for Australasia, and he later advanced to president of WEA in 2017, where he played a key role in expanding the company’s streaming-focused marketing strategies and integrating acquisitions such as Songkick, EMP and UPROXX.

Before joining Warner, Harlow held leadership roles at EMI and EMI Music Australia. He returned to the UK in 2002 to lead Richard Branson’s V2 label as CEO. After V2 was acquired by Universal Music Group in 2007, he continued to serve in various senior positions, including heading the international marketing team.

Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl responded to Harlow’s announcement with his own memo to staff, adding praise for Harlow’s legacy, noting his “immense” impact across his three major roles at the company. Kyncl credited Harlow with helping break Australian artists globally, modernizing WEA’s operations and mentoring UK leadership, adding that after meeting him some years ago “it was immediately clear that he was pouring all his decades of knowledge and experience into this one role and fulfilling a career ambition.”

He also acknowledged Harlow’s contributions to industry advocacy, including his role in the UK Parliamentary inquiry on streaming, and his efforts to diversify the music business. “We’ll miss his intellectual curiosity, independent spirit, and encyclopaedic love of music,” Kyncl said.

Kyncl emphasized that Harlow’s departure was timed to empower the leadership team he built, positioning WMUK for long-term success. He closed his memo by saying he and Simon Robson, WMG’s president of international recorded music, “will have more to share on our plans for the UK this week.”