At the recent Music Business U.K. Awards, singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran took the stage to honor Warner Music Group executive Max Lousada for his contributions to the music industry. Sheeran, who has had a successful career under WMG, praised Lousada for his support and dedication to artists.
During his speech, Sheeran highlighted Lousada’s approach to nurturing artists and their music. “It’s about recognizing great songs and great artists and allowing them to grow, rather than dropping them after a few unsuccessful singles,” he said. This sentiment echoes Lousada’s philosophy of investing in long-term artist development, rather than focusing solely on short-term success.
Lousada, who serves as CEO of Recorded Music for WMG, has been instrumental in the success of many artists, including Sheeran. He has been with the company since 2013 and has played a key role in shaping its global strategy and signing new talent.
Under Lousada’s leadership, WMG has seen significant growth and success, with a diverse roster of artists spanning various genres. This includes Sheeran, who has achieved massive success with hits like “Shape of You” and “Thinking Out Loud.”
In addition to his work with WMG, Lousada is also a strong advocate for the music industry as a whole. He has been vocal about the need for fair compensation for artists and has been actively involved in discussions surrounding streaming and copyright laws.
As Sheeran presented Lousada with the award, he expressed his gratitude for the executive’s support and guidance throughout his career. “Max has been a huge part of my journey and I’m grateful for everything he’s done for me and for the music industry,” he said.
The Music Business U.K. Awards, hosted by Music Business Worldwide, celebrate the achievements of individuals and companies in the U.K. music industry. Lousada’s recognition as Executive of the Year is a testament to his impact and influence in the industry.
In his acceptance speech, Lousada thanked Sheeran and other artists for their trust and collaboration. He also emphasized the importance of teamwork and the power of music to bring people together.
The event was a reminder of the crucial role that executives like Lousada play in the success of artists and the music industry as a whole. With his dedication to artist development and advocacy for fair compensation, Lousada continues to make a significant impact in the world of music.
