BMG names Kristal McKanders Dube to lead global corporate communications

08 May 2024 - Press release

 

BMG has appointed Kristal McKanders Dube to lead its Global Corporate Communications. An accomplished communications executive and media strategist with close to 20 years' experience, McKanders Dube joins BMG after nearly six years at Warner Music Group (WMG). There, she led the global communications function at Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the publishing arm of WMG, including overseeing executive and songwriter communications, corporate events and philanthropic initiatives at WMG’s West Coast headquarters in Los Angeles. 

Based in LA, McKanders Dube will report to BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld, and in her new role, she will handle BMG’s corporate communications worldwide, spearheading internal and external communications efforts, and liaising with BMG’s parent company, Bertelsmann. 

BMG CEO Thomas Coesfeld said, “It’s an exciting time at BMG with the company uniquely positioned for growth in a rapidly evolving music landscape, and we’re happy to have Kristal join us at such a pivotal moment and bring a fresh perspective to our business. Kristal’s innate storytelling ability, coupled with her expertise in corporate and music publishing communications, makes her an invaluable addition to our team.”  

McKanders Dube said, "Sharing the unique stories and perspectives of the artists, songwriters and the executives behind the music we love has always been a passion of mine. As BMG, a rising innovator in the music industry, embarks on this next chapter with a new CEO, I’m eager to help evolve and amplify the company’s brand narrative, along with continue to tell the remarkable stories of the people who propel the music business forward.” 

As Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing at WMG, McKanders Dube was instrumental in shaping Warner Chappell’s communications strategy. Her leadership was key in positioning the company’s narrative during a CEO transition and most recently, in publicizing its milestone of surpassing $1 billion in revenue. She also spearheaded media relations, developed thought leadership initiatives, and ensured the company’s social media presence aligned with its overall communications goals. Prior to joining WMG, McKanders Dube honed her communications expertise working in the consumer brand and luxury hospitality PR space with IHG Hotels & Resorts, and agencies MSL Group and Jackson Spalding. She began her career as a TV and radio reporter with stints in the Detroit market. 

McKanders Dube holds a Master of Journalism degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College. In 2023, she was recognized as a top music industry PR executive on Billboard’s Power of Publicity list. During her time at Warner Music, she served as a board member on the Warner Music Group / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, in addition to supporting a number of corporate DEI initiatives, including the WMG HBCU Intensive Program and Global Black Employee Resource Group.