After a successful decade at the helm, Kevin Liles announced on Tuesday (Sept. 17) that he will be stepping down as chairman and CEO of 300 Entertainment at the end of September.
The news came in an internal memo shared with staff and a post on social media.
Though Liles will depart from his CEO role, he will remain a consultant for the Warner Music Group (WMG)-owned label through the end of the year.
Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl praised Kevin Liles, calling him an “extraordinary brand-builder, artist advocate, and champion of creative expression.”
He also confirmed that the position would not be replaced, and instead, 300’s leadership would be entrusted to co-presidents Rayna Bass and Selim Bouab, alongside Elektra president Gregg Nadel.
Liles, along with Lyor Cohen, Todd Moscowitz, and Roger Gold, launched 300 Entertainment in 2014 as an independent label that quickly gained influence, signing and developing major hip-hop talents like Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, Migos, Fetty Wap, and Young Thug.
Warner Music Group acquired the label in 2021, later merging it into the 300 Elektra Entertainment Group (3EE) in 2022.
Kevin Liles’ departure follows a wave of leadership changes at WMG, including the exit of Max Lousada, CEO of recorded music, and longtime Atlantic leader Julie Greenwald.
The label also announced that 10K Projects founder Elliot Grainge will take over as CEO of the newly revamped Atlantic Music Group at the end of the month.
In his heartfelt memo to staff, Liles reflected on the cultural impact 300 Entertainment had over the past 10 years, stating, “The cultural impact we created in 10 years when starting from scratch is simply unmatched in the modern era.”
He emphasized the company’s ethos: “mindset of independent, muscle of a major,” which he believes has become a model for the industry.
He went on to express gratitude to the team, acknowledging that the time has come for the next generation of leadership.
“As committed servants of the culture, we know growing and empowering the next generation of leaders is a responsibility, and when the time is right, we pass the torch,” Liles wrote.
He proudly highlighted Rayna Bass and Selim Bouab as two of the most talented young leaders in the music industry, who will now lead 300 into its next chapter of excellence.
Liles also hinted at what’s next for him, revealing that his focus will include continuing his fight to end the criminalization of hip-hop lyrics, specifically the prosecution of Jeffery Williams (Young Thug).
Additionally, he’s dedicating time to supporting Kamala Harris’ potential run for the presidency and working toward Democratic victories in Congress.
With a legacy cemented in music history and a promising future ahead, Liles’ departure marks the end of an era at 300 Entertainment, but he leaves knowing that the label is in capable hands. “This chapter may be closing, but always remember: #jobnotdone.”
See Kevin Liles’ original post below.
Read a few Twitter reactions to the news below.
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