Lekeisha Irion named as new Head of A&R at WCM Benelux

08 November 2024 - Press release

Lekeisha Irion has been appointed as Head of A&R at Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Benelux, part of the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group (WMG).  She will be based in the company’s Amsterdam headquarters and report to Niels Walboomers, President, Records and Publishing, Benelux, WMG.

Irion joined the publisher at the start of last year as an A&R Manager and has already made a significant impact with her work, focusing on Dutch pop and hip-hop. She works closely with the likes of Antoon, Bankzitters, Brahim Fouradi, Julian Vahle, Paul Sinha, Renske te Buck, Reverse, Roxy Dekker, and Trobi.

Roxy Dekker is Irion’s standout signing while working for WCM. She played a pivotal role in helping the rising popstar land four Number Ones in the Netherlands in 2024 and an Edison Award for Best Newcomer.  One of those smash hits, “Sugardaddy” has 100% of its song credits attributed to WCM songwriters - Beer Petrie, Julian Vahle, and Renske te Buck - all of whom Irion signed. 

Irion takes pride in her collaborative approach with the recorded music team at Warner Music Benelux.  It has led to several artists and songwriters - including Antoon and Roxy Dekker - signing both publishing and recording deals with WMG thanks to the close-knit support and cooperation between the teams.

Lekeisha Irion says: “I’m delighted that Niels has placed his trust in me with this promotion.  We’ve got some ambitious plans for our songwriters and the business over the next year, and I can’t wait to get to work. The Benelux has always been a fusion of cultures and that means it’s one of the most exciting places in the world for new music.  It’s a privilege to be a part of this exhilarating market.” 

Niels Walboomers adds: “Lekeisha is a brilliant A&R executive who has proved herself super early in her career.  I’m delighted to give her this opportunity to take her career to the next level and I know that she’ll continue to deliver for our songwriters.”

Shani Gonzales, Head of International A&R and MD of WCM UK, concludes: “Lekeisha is an amazing asset to our global network of A&Rs.  She understands how genres and scenes are evolving in different markets and spots the opportunities for her writers to jump into collabs.  I’m so pleased her hard work is being recognised, and as a young female executive, she is one to watch for the future.”