Sarah Ismail has been appointed managing director of ADA Asia, the independent label and artist services division of Warner Music Group.
In the meantime, she will continue in her interim role as managing director of Warner Music Philippines, where WMG said she “played a key role in nurturing the careers of renowned and breakthrough artists.”
Ismail will report to Warner Music Asia co-presidents Chris Gobalakrishna and Jonathan Serbin and ADA president Cat Kreidich, while working closely with ADA’s global leaders.
She will stay in Manila for the short term and then move to Hong Kong.
WMG said Ismail will play a key role in driving ADA’s continued expansion in Asia.
The company noted that it already has a dedicated team in the region, as well as “significant distribution deals with key players,” including Japan’s Bandai-Namco, Cambodia’s Baramey Production, Indonesia’s DPM, Vietnam’s Yin Yang Media, and Rap Viet is one of the most popular music game shows in the country, with over 500,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
In order to strengthen ADA’s influence in Vietnam, Thuan Tran joined as the country’s label manager. Thuan started his career working at Vietnamese music streaming platform Zing MP3.
Ismail joined Warner Music Group in 2019 and was promoted to regional marketing director for Greater China and Southeast Asia.
She rose through the ranks and served as Managing Director of Warner Music Philippines.
According to WMG, under Ismail’s guidance, Warner Music Philippines “achieved impressive results and unprecedented milestones, including the breakout success of Lola Amour and Dilaw.”
“We are pleased to announce Sarah’s well-deserved promotion.”
Chris Gobalakrishna and Jonathan Serbin, Warner Music Asia
Chris Gobalakrishna and Jonathan Serbin said: “We are delighted to announce Sarah’s well-deserved promotion. Throughout her tenure at Warner Music, Sarah has consistently demonstrated excellence Her management skills and visionary mindset truly set her apart.
“Her advancement not only reaffirms our commitment to Asia’s independent artists and labels, but also enables our talented team to reach new levels of success.”
“We are delighted to welcome Sarah as she takes on this key role within ADA, adding to our growing global network.”
Carter Credich, ADA
Cat Kreidich added: “We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to Sarah as she takes on this key role within ADA, enriching our growing global network.
“With her leadership experience, extensive network and deep understanding of artist development from a label perspective, we are poised to shine a light on local musical talent and provide independent artists with the customized support they need to break through and achieve unparalleled success.”
“I am committed to expanding ADA’s influence in Asia.”
Sarah Ismail
Sarah Ismail said: “I am extremely honored to have been given this opportunity and humbled by the trust placed in me. I am committed to expanding ADA’s impact in Asia.
“I’m excited to explore and create compelling products that support our independent artists and partners on their journeys. ADA Asia will forge new partnerships and continue to support diverse talent.
global music business
