Kristen Burke is stepping down as president of Warner Music Canada. She will be succeeded by Eric Wong, president of East West Records and head of global A&R at Warner Music Group.
Burke announced the news in a letter to staff obtained by Billboard Canada today (Sept. 17).
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“My time at Warner Music Canada has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career — a chance to work with extraordinary artists, build an amazing team, and help shape the future of music in this country,” she wrote. “Change is never easy, but it is often part of growth. With that in mind, I want to let you know that I will be stepping down from my role as President of Warner Music Canada.
“As Warner Music Group strengthens its alignment across territories, Warner Music Canada will now be connected more directly to the U.S. team, with Eric Wong, President of East West and Head of Global A&R, stepping in to oversee the business. Eric brings extensive experience from across the company and has cultivated a strong understanding of the Canadian market and meaningful relationships with many of our artists, managers, and teams, which will be invaluable during this transition.
“It has been an incredible privilege to work alongside all of you. I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together — the growth we’ve achieved, the culture we’ve built, and the resilience we’ve shown through every challenge. None of it would have been possible without your dedication, creativity, and passion.”
Kristen Burke
Courtesy Photo
Wong, who is based in New York City, is a supporter of Canadian artists through his work with Punjabi star Karan Aujla and up-and-coming Vancouver songwriter Jade LeMac. East West Records was instrumental in the recent release of Aujla’s new album P-Pop Culture, which recently made history after debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart.
Wong’s hiring brings the Canadian label closer with Warner’s U.S. team and underscores the label’s global initiatives like the Canada-India collaborative label 91 North Records.
Simon Robson, president, EMEA, recorded music, WMG, praises Burke for her time leading Warner Music Canada.
“The successes out of Canada are a testament to your leadership and your belief in what could be accomplished,” he says. “With big innovative swings, like leading the Punjabi Wave with 91 North Records in a first-of-its-kind partnership with our India team; championing unconventional, creative talent such as Crash Adams and Jade LeMac; and overseeing the move into a state-of-the-art Toronto headquarters, you’ve helped lead the company into bold new territory. I’m confident that your impact will carry forward in meaningful ways.
“I’m also confident in Eric’s ability to lead our Canadian label forward and create closer ties with our U.S. teams. As the above examples demonstrate, Canada is an important player in our global company ecosystem. Eric understands its deep cultural diversity and globally savvy audiences, as a springboard for music that resonates far beyond its borders.”
Burke became President of the label in 2021, and was at the time the only woman leading a major label in Canada (before Julie Adam took the helm at Universal Music Canada this year). Burke was No. 4 on Billboard Canada‘s 2025 Power Players list and accepted the Executive of the Year award at Billboard Canada Women in Music 2024.
This article was originally published by Billboard Canada.