In a heartfelt farewell note, Julie Greenwald has announced her departure from the Atlantic Music Group, where she has served as Chairman for the past 20 years. Greenwald will officially leave her leadership role at the end of this month, but plans to remain on board as a consultant through January 2025.
In her note, which has been shared with staff and industry peers, Greenwald reflected on her journey at Atlantic Records, recalling the moment she joined the company nine months pregnant with a mission to rejuvenate the iconic label founded by Ahmet Ertegun. She expressed gratitude for the collaborative spirit she found at Atlantic, particularly highlighting her partnership with Craig Kallman, with whom she shared a vision of creating a culture that valued creativity over mere size.
“Craig and I were in lock step, sharing one vision, not to be the biggest company in the industry, but to be the best,” Greenwald wrote. Her commitment to nurturing talent and promoting innovative marketing strategies led to the successful launch and support of numerous artists over the years.
Greenwald reminisced about the early days of her tenure, recalling the “magic number” of 34 albums a year that defined their ambitious strategy. “Our goal wasn’t simply a plaque, but selling lots and lots and lots of hard tickets,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of tangible success in the music industry.
The farewell letter also included acknowledgments to her colleagues, past and present, at various labels under the Atlantic umbrella, including Elektra, FBR, Roadrunner, and 300. “For everyone who has passed through Atlantic High, I cannot say thank you enough,” she stated, promising to express her gratitude in person to those she has worked closely with over the years.
Greenwald expressed her deep appreciation for the support she received from industry veterans such as Lyor Cohen, Steve Cooper, and Max Lousada, citing their collective efforts in building the company’s legacy. She also thanked her close partners—Craig, Kyser, and Sheila—calling their collaboration one of the greatest rides in the music business.
As she prepares to transition out of her role, Greenwald handed over the reins to her successors with optimism. “I’m handing over the keys to Ahmet’s house. I wish you all the best and will remain the greatest cheerleader for all things Atlantic,” she concluded, reiterating her unwavering support for the artists she has championed throughout her career.
Julie Greenwald’s impact on the music industry has been profound, with her leadership helping to shape Atlantic Music Group into one of the most respected names in the business. As she steps away, her legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the label’s future endeavors.
Read Julie Greenwald’s farewell note in full below:
To All My Friends, Family and Colleagues,
I’ve been thinking about this goodbye letter for the past few weeks.
For someone who is never short on words, this one has been a real challenge.
I came into Atlantic Records 9 months pregnant with a mission on my back to rebuild the house that Ahmet created.
Lucky for me, I found a partner ready to roll up his sleeves and start something new.
Craig and I were in lock step, sharing one vision, not to be the biggest company in the industry, but to be the best.
We wanted to create a risk taking culture that rewarded creativity.
For all of the old crew, remember our magic number was 34 albums a year. And our strategy worked.
We signed, nurtured and delivered some of the greatest artists on the planet. No matter how long the single took, or how many mixtapes or albums, we stayed in the fight. The weirder the marketing plan, the better.
Our goal wasn’t simply a plaque, but selling lots and lots and lots of hard tickets.
MSG was first in our sights and then came the O2.
World building wasn’t a buzz word we threw out in pitch meetings, but a true accomplishment.
I subscribe all of our successes to the perfect melding of extraordinary artists meet the most gifted employees.
For everyone who has passed through Atlantic High, Elektra, FBR, Roadrunner, 300 and WMG, I can not say thank you enough.
(And when I see you in person, I will properly do so.)
To Lyor, Steve, and Max, I am filled with tremendous gratitude for all the support and generosity you gave us throughout our years.
It was always a team effort.
To my day one partners Craig, Kyser and Sheila, I will be eternally grateful for one of the greatest rides in the history of the music business.
To Len, Robert, Elliot, Zach and Tony, I’m handing over the keys to Ahmet’s house. I wish you all the best and will remain the greatest cheerleader for all things Atlantic.
And to all my artists, I will never stop being your #1 Fan.
Love,
Julie