ADA President Cat Kreidich Leaving Warner Music

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Cat Kreidich, the president of Warner Music Group’s music distribution division ADA, has announced her departure from the company, as she communicated in a memo to the staff on Tuesday.

After a span of four years, Kreidich steps down as the leader at ADA. WMG has yet to disclose who will replace Kreidich. In a communication to employees, WMG CEO Robert Kyncl stated that they would reveal updates on ADA’s leadership this week. In her farewell message, reviewed by The Hollywood Reporter, Kreidich hinted at her future plans but hasn’t yet made an official announcement about it. She expressed enthusiasm about revealing her next move when the time is right.

Although change is a regular occurrence in our field, I am confident that the solid groundwork we’ve laid will continue to benefit independent artists significantly. We’ve constructed an outstanding global team, increased our global release volume, revitalized our brand, and created a digital platform tailored for independent artists and labels within Warner’s supply chain. Strategic acquisitions like RSDL will be instrumental in driving Warner’s entire recorded music business forward.

Before assuming the role of ADA’s president, Kreidich was an executive at The Orchard, which is Sony Music Group’s distribution division. During her presidency at ADA, she successfully negotiated distribution agreements with Three Six Zero Recordings, Rostrum Records, and Kesha, who opted for independence as a pop star by striking a distribution deal with ADA.

Upon my return four years ago as an executive from The Orchard and Sony, I arrived with a vision to revive the pioneering spirit at ADA and adapt it to thrive in the competitive world of innovative music technology companies. Our goal wasn’t to become the largest distribution company, but rather the most valuable – valued by our artists and label partners through expert advice and tangible outcomes, and valuable to Warner Music Group by aiding in the development of their ecosystem and reputation for championing independent artists.

Kreidich’s resignation coincides with distribution companies gaining more industry focus. Notably, Universal Music Group’s Virgin Music Group agreed to acquire Downtown Music Group Holdings, the parent company of music distributors FUGA and CD Baby, in a deal announced in December. However, this agreement is currently under review by EU regulatory authorities, as reported by Reuters. Separately, Concord finalized a deal for indie distributor Stem in March.

Kreidich’s exit marks another significant change happening at WMG. Not long ago, Kyncl unveiled a plan to save $300 million, part of which involves reducing the workforce by $170 million.

In a note he penned on Tuesday, Kyncl praised Cat as an exceptional individual. She’s not only a visionary thinker but also a strong leader who consistently puts the interests of the independent music community at heart – be it its artists, labels, or overall spirit. During her tenure, ADA has broadened its network across various creative sectors, extended its global influence, and fortified its workforce and technology. She’s been instrumental in steering us through significant transformations, demonstrating adaptability, and delivering successful outcomes.

Read Kreidich’s memo below:

To the ADA Team,

“Here’s some news straight from me: After an incredible four-year journey showing that Warner Music Group and ADA are indeed the ideal home for independent artists and labels, I’ve chosen to move on. Change within organizations is a given in our industry, but I’m confident that the strong foundation we built will continue to thrive and support independent artists.”

*We established an outstanding international team, boosted our global distribution, revamped our brand image, and constructed a digital platform tailored for independent musicians and record labels within the Warner network. We made shrewd purchases such as RSDL, which Warner plans to leverage to drive their entire recorded music sector.*

My experience with ADA marks my second phase. The first began during the dawn of digital transformation, as I switched from a music technology startup. With a groundbreaking “New Media” degree under my belt from Emerson College, I was captivated by the potential of digital disruption and the indie music world. Upon discovering ADA in the 2000s, I found they were backing independent acts on an unparalleled level, innovating new strategies as music was becoming democratized globally through emerging digital platforms like iTunes, eMusic, and mobile entertainment.

Upon my return four years ago from The Orchard and Sony, I arrived at ADA with a goal in mind – to rekindle the spirit of innovation that once thrived here and adapt it to the competitive world of cutting-edge music technology companies. Our aim wasn’t to become the largest distribution company, but instead, to be the most beneficial – providing our artist and label partners with expert advice and tangible outcomes, and benefiting Warner Music Group by aiding in the development of its ecosystem and the enhancement of its reputation as a supporter of independent artists. We were convinced that ADA and Warner Music Group would complement each other, enhancing one another’s abilities and reach. Over time, I believe we have demonstrated this synergy. As ADA embarks on a new phase, Warner Music Group remains dedicated to broadening the scope and versatility of ADA’s services.

To the ADA label and artistic minds who fuel this vibrant industry: a heartfelt thank you for your unwavering dedication, inventiveness, and zeal. Your tenacity has left an indelible mark on me, and your vision is truly inspiring. You are not just advocates of creativity, but also examples that independence doesn’t necessitate solitude—it means expressing yourself uniquely. You are sculpting the future of music, and my enthusiasm for the independent music community remains undiminished as I continue to advocate for its ever-growing significance.

Though I’m not yet prepared to disclose what lies ahead, I eagerly anticipate the moment when I can reveal my upcoming plans – rest assured, they will align with the fulfilling independent advocacy work I’ve been fortunate to engage in for the past two decades.

With gratitude and appreciation,

CAT

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2025-07-22 20:55