POWER 50 2025: Sean Warner (Universal)

BACKGROUND CHECK:

With a diverse background in the world of media and entertainment, Sean Warner has spent close to 20 years now in the employ of Universal Music Australia and New Zealand. Joining the company as national sales manager in 2007, he's held a number of roles with the major label, including vice president of commercial and – since 2023 – president of the company.

A self-described music tragic with an appetite for local talent and developing future stars into the country's biggest names, Warner is an undeniable power player in the local industry, and – as head of the nation’s largest label – one of the most impactful figures in the Australian scene.

THE YEAR IN AUSTRALIAN MUSIC:

The past year has seen Warner undertake a continued approach to Universal’s artist-first vision, working on elevating local talent, building meaningful fan communities, and pushing Australian music further onto the world stage. On one hand, he’s overseen a batch of inventive campaigns across Pinterest, TikTok, Reddit, Discord, and Meta, helping artists like Jack Gray, Peach PRC, Calum Hood, and Matthew Ifield break through to new audiences.

Meanwhile, he’s also seen the relaunch of Universal Music Connect, which reignited global interest in catalogue acts like Empire Of The Sun, INXS, and Killing Heidi. International showcases, fan-first events, and major touring wins have all taken place across Island and EMI, while strengthening brand partnerships with the likes of Coca-Cola, Cotton On, and Campari to continually create commercial opportunities for Australian artists

Alongside a cultural refresh inside the company, Warner has helped keep artist outcomes at the front of the label’s priorities, ranging from the negotiation of better digital returns to supporting touring, sync deals and international market entry. Outside of the company, Warner has also continued to fight for the success of the wider industry, utilising his work with ARIA and the PPCA to champion fair remuneration and strong protections for artists in an ever-changing musical and technological landscape.

THE MUSIC SPEAKS:

In a tough climate for Australian music, the ongoing challenge of breaking Australian artists domestically remains a key focus of all of the local MDs, but as the one with the biggest international market share, eyes are especially on Universal. Investing in acts like Baker Boy, Hilltop Hoods, Royel Otis, Bella Mackenzie, Rachael Fahim, and a couple of legendary Pauls (Kelly and Dempsey) have seen chart success for Universal this year, while just last week 5 Seconds Of Summer achieved a rare #1 ARIA album (a real one, not an Australian one), knocking off Taylor Swift (also Universal).

Under Warner’s leadership, the company has also upscaled records from the Virgin catalogue like 3% for extra promo support and there’s a genuine hunger from their team to break Australian records. He has also made great strides in alternative income streams through the BRING Agency, creating new opportunities and revenue streams for artists. With a current radio market share of over 40% and six of the top ten in both the ARIA Singles and Albums charts, it’s hard to argue that Universal is not dominating the recorded market for international artists. Will 2026 see the investment made in development for their Australian roster mirror that success?

With current battles around company culture, AI use in music, pressure around global investment in the Australian market and more, 2026 will continue to challenge Warner, but with a formidable roster of talent, the pieces are there to make the puzzle work.