Julie Greenwald

Last updated
Julie Greenwald
Born1970 (age 5556)
New York, U.S.
Alma mater Tulane University
OccupationMusic industry executive
Years active1992–present
Spouse
Lewis Largent
(died 2023)
Children2

Julie Greenwald (born 1970 [1] ) is an American music industry executive. She served as chairperson and chief executive officer of the Atlantic Records Group and later Atlantic Music Group. [2]

Contents

Greenwald has held senior executive roles at Def Jam Recordings, The Island Def Jam Music Group, and Atlantic Records. She became president of Atlantic Records in 2004 and later chairperson and CEO, overseeing one of the label's most commercially successful periods. [3]

Early life and education

Greenwald was born in the Catskill Mountains region of New York. She attended Tulane University, graduating in 1992 with a double major in political science and English. [4]

Career

Def Jam and Island Def Jam

Greenwald began her career in the music industry in 1992 at Def Jam Recordings. Over the following decade she held a number of roles in promotion and marketing.

In 2002 she was appointed president of The Island Def Jam Music Group. [3]

Atlantic Records

In 2004 Greenwald joined Atlantic Records as president. In 2006 she was promoted to chairman and chief operating officer of the label.

During this period Atlantic Records achieved significant commercial success and became one of the most successful labels in the industry. Artists associated with Atlantic during Greenwald's tenure included Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Cardi B, Flo Rida, Jason Mraz, Paramore, Death Cab for Cutie, and Charlie Puth.

Greenwald worked closely with Atlantic chairman and CEO Craig Kallman in leading the label. Industry coverage frequently described the partnership as a complementary leadership structure, with Kallman overseeing artist development and A&R while Greenwald focused on marketing, promotion, and operational strategy across the label group.

In 2022 Warner Music Group reorganized its recorded music operations under the name Atlantic Music Group, with Greenwald serving as chairman and CEO. [2]

Departure from Atlantic

In 2024 it was announced that Greenwald would step down as chairman of Atlantic Music Group in January 2025. [5]

Industry influence

Greenwald has been credited with helping guide Atlantic Records through one of its most commercially successful periods during the 2000s and 2010s. During this time the label achieved multiple global chart successes and developed artists across pop, hip-hop, rock, and alternative genres.

Atlantic became one of the most consistently successful labels on the Billboard charts during this period, with releases from artists including Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Cardi B, Flo Rida, Jason Mraz, Paramore, and Death Cab for Cutie.

Greenwald worked closely with Atlantic chairman and CEO Craig Kallman in shaping the label’s artist-development strategy and commercial direction.

Awards and industry recognition

Greenwald has appeared repeatedly on Billboard's annual Power 100 list of the most influential figures in the music business. [6]

Personal life

Greenwald was married to former MTV 120 Minutes host and KROQ DJ Lewis Largent until his death in March 2023. The couple has two children. [10]

References

  1. "Who's behind Jay-Z and Ed Sheeran's success?". Pirelli Global. February 14, 2019.
  2. 1 2 Aswad, Jem (2022-10-12). "Julie Greenwald Named Chairman & CEO of Newly Created Atlantic Music Group". Variety.
  3. 1 2 "Julie Greenwald: Executive Profile & Biography - Bloomberg". Bloomberg.
  4. "Julie Greenwald". Warner Music Group.
  5. Aswad, Jem. "Julie Greenwald to Step Down as Atlantic Music Group Chairman in January". Variety.
  6. Billboard Staff (2022-01-26). "The 2022 Billboard Power List Revealed". Billboard.
  7. "Atlantic's Julie Greenwald Named Billboard's No. 1 Woman In Music". The Hollywood Reporter.
  8. "Women In Music 2016: The 100 Most Powerful Executives". Billboard.
  9. Billboard Staff (2022-01-26). "The 2022 Billboard Power List Revealed". Billboard.
  10. Aswad, Jem. "Lewis Largent, Influential MTV '120 Minutes' VJ and KROQ DJ, Dies at 58". Variety.