Warner Music Group Expands in Belgium
Warner Music Group has appointed Youssef Chellak as CEO of its Belgium division as part of its expansion into the Belgian music market.
Reporting to Nils Wallboomers, President of Recorded Music & Publishing for WMG Benelux, Chellak will work from the company's headquarters in Brussels.
Chellak’s Responsibilities and Experience
His responsibilities will include growing Warner Music Belgium's roster of local artists and facilitating innovative business partnerships, as well as developing what the company calls “the most culturally curious team” in the Belgian music industry.
Chellak has over 20 years of experience in the music industry. His career began in 2000, when he worked as a producer, executive producer, and publisher, collaborating with artists from Belgium, France, and Germany.
Most recently, he served as Director of A&R at Universal Music Belgium, where he played a key role in the development of artists such as Aaron Blommaert, Berre, and Maxim Stoyanats, contributing to the strategic direction of the company as a member of the management team.
“We are delighted to welcome Youssef to Warner Music Benelux. His proven track record, culturally inquisitive approach, and inspiring vision for the local music industry make him the ideal executive to lead our Belgian team.”
Nils Wallboomers, Warner Music Group Benelux
Prior to joining Universal, Chellak served as CEO of Universal’s First Class Belgium independent hip-hop label since 2018. During his time there, he helped develop a new wave of local talent, including artists like Dicke, Stikstof, Tourist LeMK, and Zvangere Guy.
Speaking about his appointment, Chellak said: “I am thrilled to join the Warner Music team, which thrives on a culture of entrepreneurship.
“Our Music First approach, based on the latest digital tools, will allow us to support Belgian artists while also building innovative and sustainable business partnerships. I intend to do everything in my power to help develop the thriving music scene that we have here in Belgium.”
Walboomers added: “We are delighted to welcome Youssef to Warner Music Benelux. His proven track record, culturally inquisitive approach, and inspiring vision for the local music industry make him the ideal executive to lead our Belgian team.
“I am confident that he will create an inspiring environment in which local artists, who have become the voices of their generation, can collaborate, thrive, and realize their full creative potential.”
The appointment comes as WMG Benelux continues to expand.
About three months ago, the company acquired an independent record label in Amsterdam, Cloud 9 entries, which represents artists such as Claude, Jaap Risema, Chris Cross Amsterdam, Snelle, and Turf Gang, and owns the catalog of Anton.
Chellak's appointment is the latest development in Warner Music Group's Benelux operations following the appointment of the company Lakeisha Irion as Head of A&R at Warner Chappell Music Benelux in November 2024.
Youssef Chellak appointed General Manager of Warner Music Belgium
