Warner Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, announced Thursday that it is further expanding its presence in Asia by opening its first office in Vietnam. In addition, the publisher has appointed renowned marketing executive Vince Kobler as General Manager, Vietnam. He will report to Jacqueline Chong, Head of ASEAN, Warner Chappell Music.
Home to an increasingly dynamic music scene, Vietnam has a population of close to 100 million, over half being millennials who grew up in the digital economy. Vietnam is one of the fastest growing markets in the region, and The World Bank forecasts the country’s economy will grow by 6.6% in 2021.
The new office is based in Ho Chi Minh City, the largest and most populous city in the country, which has become a cultural and entertainment epicenter. With this office, Warner Chappell Music aims to enhance the local music scene and help Vietnamese composers and songwriters connect with writers and artists around the world. The publisher will be offering talent a complete suite of services, including creative resources, as well as sync licensing and administration.
Chong shares: “A revolution is taking place in Vietnam’s music scene. Local songs are starting to capture the attention of audiences internationally. We’ve been planning this expansion for a while now, and we’re so thrilled that the time has finally come to officially open our doors in Vietnam. We hope this office will be a big step forward in helping Vietnam make its mark on the global music industry.”
Monica Lee, President, Warner Chappell Music Asia Pacific, adds: “We’re committed to investing in Vietnam to support its creative community and wider economy. This expansion is part of our vision to increase our presence across Asia, enabling us to provide best-in-class services to songwriters across the region and further develop its music sector.”
Kobler says: “I am very excited by the opportunity to steer Warner Chappell Music’s efforts in Vietnam. This is a historic moment for the local music industry which is just getting started here. Our expertise and reach will help propel Vietnamese artists, composers and songwriters to new heights and empower more of them to turn their passion into a profession.”
With a track record in marketing, as well as building businesses and brands, Kobler has previously held senior leadership roles at Hard Rock Hotels International and Leo Burnett. He is also a serial entrepreneur, having built and sold a variety of companies – including EmporioAsia, one of the first leading independent digital marketing agencies in China, which was later acquired by Publicis Groupe, and Vince Wines, a fashionable French wine label that targets millennial consumers. With an American and Vietnamese multicultural background and diverse expertise, Kobler brings with him over a decade of experience to the role.
Chong concludes: “We are so delighted to have Vince join us. He’s a brilliant commercial leader with vast professional experience to help lead us through this exciting new journey.”
This opening in Vietnam is the latest move of Warner Chappell Music expanding its footprint throughout Asia, following the opening of its Shanghai office, the publisher’s second in mainland China, last year.