Warner Chappell Music has launched direct operations in India, moving away from its earlier sub-publishing model and bringing its publishing business in-house. The shift gives songwriters in the market access to the company’s global creative network and rights management systems.
The publishing arm of Warner Music Group will now operate locally with publishing and recorded music aligned under a single structure.
Jay Mehta, who has led Warner Music India since 2020, will oversee the combined business across India and South Asia. In this expanded role, he will manage both recorded music and publishing operations. Mehta will report to Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, and Lo Ting-Fai, President, Warner Music APAC.
The move comes as India’s music economy continues to scale. According to CISAC, domestic creator collections reached ₹7 billion (approximately $75 million) in 2024, marking a 42% year-on-year increase. India is now the world’s 15th largest recorded music market, according to IFPI.
At the same time, consumption patterns are shifting. Bollywood’s share of digital listening has declined from around 80% to less than half, with independent and non-film music accounting for a larger share of streams. Domestic repertoire now represents 89% of total music streaming in the country, as the market gradually transitions towards paid subscriptions.
Within this context, Warner Chappell’s direct presence adds local publishing infrastructure at a time when rights management, licensing and royalty flows are under closer scrutiny.
Songwriters and partners in India will now have access to Warner Chappell’s internal systems, including Global Match, an AI-led royalty matching tool, the Client Portal for catalog and earnings visibility, and Pulse, a client-facing app developed with songwriters. These systems are used to improve tracking accuracy, reporting and transparency.
The company’s Mumbai headquarters will also house studio facilities available to its writers, positioning the office as both an operational and creative base. Warner Music Group is currently the only major label operating a dedicated, localised studio setup of this kind in India.
The company says its India operations will focus on tighter copyright management and more localised licensing, with the aim of improving payout timelines and reporting across South Asia.
Jay Mehta said:
“India’s songwriters are world-class, constantly redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries. By establishing a direct footprint for Warner Chappell, we’re bridging the gap between local brilliance and global opportunity. We’re now positioned to offer Indian creators the sophisticated resources and international reach that only a world-leading publisher can provide, ensuring their music resonates on a global stage.”
Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall, Co-Chairs of Warner Chappell Music, said:
“India is home to a breathtaking array of songwriting talent that is increasingly making its mark on the global stage. By establishing a direct presence there, we’re able to offer these creators a dedicated home where their art is championed with global expertise. Our goal is to provide the infrastructure and creative mentorship that allows South Asian songwriters to thrive at home and see their works performed and celebrated by audiences everywhere.”
Robert Kyncl, CEO of Warner Music Group, added:
“India is a key part of our global growth strategy, and the talent emerging there is truly world-class. By bringing our publishing and recorded music operations under Jay Mehta’s proven leadership, we’re creating a unified powerhouse that can better serve creators and fans alike. This is the right moment to double down on our investment in India’s vibrant creative economy.”
Warner Chappell’s shift to a direct model reflects a broader move by global publishers to establish on-ground operations in India. With access to internal royalty systems, local licensing capabilities and a dedicated team, the company is building a more structured publishing setup for songwriters working across domestic and international markets.
