Markus Petersen

EVP & General Manager, Warner Classics

Greater Hamburg Area

About

Forward-thinking executive with international expertise in the recorded music industry. More than a decade of experience in leading and nurturing multinational teams. Commercially minded, data-driven decision maker with strong analytic and strategic skills. Successful track record in driving transition from physical to digital business and in sales, marketing and catalogue exploitation of artists and genres with loyal and demanding fanbases.

Experience

  • Warner Music Group (12 yrs 10 mos)
    • EVP & General Manager, Warner Classics
      Dec 2025 - Present · 8 mos

    • SVP Global Operations & Business Development, Classics
      Oct 2013 - Dec 2025 · 12 yrs 3 mos

      Ownership and accountability for global Warner Classics performance and delivery of KPIs Member of Warner Classics & Erato senior management team. Defining commercial strategy for classical music at WMG including content acquisition and partnerships Supporting and supervising classical teams in WMG affiliates worldwide

  • Vice President Europe, EMI Classics at EMI Music
    May 2009 - Oct 2013 · 4 yrs 6 mos

    Overseeing all European sales and marketing activities related to Classical content. Member of EMI Classics senior management team.

  • Owner at Segno Media Consult
    Apr 2008 - Apr 2009 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Consulting agency with focus on digital distribution of music and e-books

  • General Manager at Naxos Deutschland GmbH
    May 2005 - Mar 2008 · 2 yrs 11 mos

    Responsible for all marketing and sales activities for Naxos and associated labels in Germany. Member of Naxos’ International Marketing Board and Director of Naxos Global Distribution Ltd.

  • Owner at Segno Sales & Marketing
    May 2004 - Apr 2005 · 1 yr

    Consulting agency for sales & marketing of recorded music