Warner Music chief takes on CEO role at YouTube partner, PopShack

Seasoned music and entertainment executive Conrad Withey, previously President of Warner Music Entertainment, has been announced as CEO of artist development label PopShack.

As a leading YouTube music partner, PopShack focuses on developing ‘native’ artists emerging on the platform. Based in London’s Soho, the business was established in 2013 by Withey’s wife – entertainment marketeer Abi Hanna – as a teen focused YouTube business.  The company has since developed into a full multi-channel network and partnered with emerging talent like Daniel J, Mary Desmond, Elyar Fox, Laura Zocca, Rebecca Shearing, Matt Defreitas and Anglo-American pop band Hollywood Ending. PopShack reaches over 2.2 million subscribers and drives 8m video views every month.

The move to PopShack will see Withey continue his alliance with Warner MusicUK, which began in 2006. PopShack will act as a consultant on a series of new projects with East West Records and existing WME signings including Hugh Laurie and The Overtones. In addition ADA will provide distribution for the developing talent under the PopShack umbrella.

Conrad Withey said: “YouTube has become the #1 network for music discovery across the globe and the PopShack business is focused on finding and developing a new generation of ‘native’ artists breaking via the platform. I am thrilled to be partnering with Warner and particularly Dan Chalmers and the East West and ADA teams on this and other innovative new projects going forward.”

Dan Chalmers, President of Rhino, East West Records and ADA UK said: “Conrad has the ideal skillset for this new role, he’s got extensive experience creating engaging content and he understands how to develop artists and their careers. I’m pleased we’re able to continue our partnership and look forward to seeing the acts that come through PopShack”.