Warner Music India Appoints Ashok Parwani As Head Of Music For South Indian Markets

Warner Music India has announced the appointment of industry veteran Ashok Parwani as Head of Music for South Indian Markets, strengthening its leadership at a time of accelerated regional expansion. The move follows the company’s majority acquisition of Divo, one of South India’s leading digital media and music companies, underscoring Warner Music India’s long-term commitment to the region.

In his new role, Parwani will lead Warner Music India’s music strategy across key South Indian markets including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. Working closely with Divo, the focus will be on expanding regional catalogues, deepening relationships with creators and partners, and driving overall growth across the southern music ecosystem.

Parwani brings with him over four decades of experience across India, Sri Lanka and the UAE. He is best known for his nearly 20-year tenure at Sony Music India, where he played a pivotal role in building and scaling the company’s South India business. During this period, he led major catalogue acquisitions and forged long-standing relationships with leading producers, filmmakers and artists across the region.

Divo, which Warner Music India acquired a majority stake in during 2023, has emerged as a key player in South India’s music landscape, offering services across distribution, publishing, digital content and influencer marketing. The partnership reflects Warner Music India’s strategy of investing deeply in authentic regional cultures while building scalable, future-ready music businesses.

Warner Music India currently manages a large and rapidly growing catalogue and has recently launched Loopd, an artist-first label focused on independent talent. The company has also expanded its regional footprint through a collaborative initiative with Sri Lanka’s M-Entertainments and Divo, aimed at creating international opportunities for artists from the region.

Commenting on the appointment, Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India & SAARC, said Ashok Parwani’s deep regional understanding and industry relationships align strongly with the company’s long-term vision. He noted that South India represents a critical growth pillar for Warner Music India, and Parwani’s leadership will play a key role in building global pathways for local artists.

Shahir Muneer, Co-Founder and Director at Divo, added that Parwani’s experience will significantly strengthen Warner Music India’s South India strategy, while also enhancing Divo’s ability to scale its catalogue, deepen partnerships and unlock stronger commercial opportunities for artists across the region.

Parwani said he was excited to join Warner Music India at a transformative moment for the company and the region. Describing South India as a powerhouse of creativity, he said the combined strengths of Warner Music India and Divo present a unique opportunity to take South Indian music to wider audiences in India and around the world.

Parwani’s appointment marks a significant step in reinforcing Warner Music India’s South India strategy, further integrating Divo’s capabilities and amplifying the global presence of South Indian music.