Warner Music India has significantly strengthened its leadership team and affirmed its focus on regional expansion by announcing the appointment of Ashok Parwani as the new Head of Music for South Indian Markets. This strategic hiring follows Warner Music India’s majority acquisition of Divo, one of South India’s premier digital media and music companies.
In his pivotal new role, Parwani will spearhead and execute Warner Music India’s comprehensive music strategy across the key regional markets of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. The combined efforts of Warner Music India and Divo are geared towards expanding regional music catalogues, cultivating deeper relationships with local creators and partners, and driving sustained, long-term growth within South India’s vibrant and fast-evolving music ecosystem.
Ashok Parwani is a seasoned industry veteran, bringing more than four decades of experience across the Indian subcontinent, including key markets like Sri Lanka and the UAE. His extensive background includes a nearly 20-year tenure at Sony Music India, where he was instrumental in building and scaling Sony Music’s South India business. His accomplishments include leading major catalogue acquisitions and forging strong, lasting partnerships with prominent producers, filmmakers, and artists across the region.
Jay Mehta, Managing Director of Warner Music India & SAARC, emphasized the strategic importance of this appointment, noting that South India remains a critical growth pillar for the company’s national strategy. He stated that Parwani’s deep regional expertise and long-standing industry relationships will be essential in building global pathways for local artists and amplifying Indian music worldwide.
Warner Music India’s commitment to investing in regional music cultures was cemented by its majority acquisition of Divo in 2023. Divo has established itself as a significant force in the South Indian music landscape, offering robust capabilities spanning music distribution, publishing, digital content, and influencer marketing.
The integration effort is expected to accelerate under Parwani’s leadership. Shahir Muneer, Co-Founder and Director at Divo, commented that Parwani’s guidance will add “significant value” to the South India strategy and strengthen Divo’s seamless integration within the Warner Music ecosystem as it scales its catalogue and partnerships.
Warner Music is actively expanding its regional footprint:
- The company currently manages a rapidly growing catalogue.
- It has launched Loopd, an artist-first label dedicated to independent talent, backed by the global network of Warner Music Group.
- A collaborative initiative with Sri Lanka’s M-Entertainments and Divo is in place to create international opportunities for regional artists.
Ashok Parwani expressed his excitement to join Warner Music India at this “pivotal moment,” describing South India as a “powerhouse of creativity.” He concluded that the combined strengths of Warner Music India and Divo offer a powerful opportunity to elevate South Indian music to wider audiences both within India and on the international stage.
Key Highlights:
- Key Appointment: Warner Music India has appointed Ashok Parwani as the Head of Music for South Indian Markets to spearhead its expansion strategy across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
- Strategic Integration: The appointment follows Warner Music India’s majority acquisition of Divo, and Parwani’s role will focus on strengthening this integration, expanding regional catalogues, and deepening partnerships with creators.
- Veteran Experience: Parwani brings over four decades of industry experience, including nearly 20 years at Sony Music India, where he was crucial in building the South India business through major catalogue acquisitions.
- Global Ambition: The move reinforces Warner Music’s strategy to leverage the combined strength of Divo and its global network to build global pathways for South Indian artists and amplify regional music worldwide.