Dinesh Ratnam has been named the managing director of Warner Music Malaysia. He will report to Chris Gobalakrishna and Jonathan Serbin, co-presidents of Warner Music Asia, and will be a core member of Warner Music’s regional executive team.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Ratnam will be responsible for overseeing Warner Music’s operations in Malaysia, spearheading strategic growth initiatives and strengthening the company’s presence in the market.
Drawing upon his extensive industry experience, Ratnam brings a wealth of expertise in the content, technology and entertainment industries to his new position.
Before joining Warner Music, he played a pivotal role in the international expansion of iQiyi, a leading premium video on-demand streaming service, where he served as Senior Director in the International Business Department and the Country Manager for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.
Ratnam was instrumental in establishing iQiyi’s presence in Southeast Asia, contributing to the company’s success and rapid growth in the region.
Prior to his tenure at iQiyi, Ratnam held various key roles at iflix, a prominent video on demand service, where he made significant contributions to corporate development, business management, and the growth of its Malaysian operations.
He also served as a director in the CEO’s Office of Catcha Group, one of the most established internet groups in Southeast Asia, overseeing its technology and media investments in Southeast Asia.
Ratnam began his career as an investment banker at JPMorgan in its London and San Francisco offices, specializing in the technology, media, and telecommunications sector and advised on transactions worth over US$25 billion.
Ratnam said: “I am honoured and excited to join Warner Music Malaysia. Music is the heartbeat of modern media, weaving together stories, experiences, and emotions in ways that resonate with audiences, making it pivotal in shaping contemporary culture.
“This is a remarkable opportunity to collaborate with a talented team and further elevate the visibility and success of our artists both locally and globally. I firmly believe in the immense potential of Malaysian music talent to further cultivate profound influence and impact beyond just the shores of the country. I look forward to leveraging Warner Music’s rich catalog and resources to create new avenues for growth and innovation.”
Chris Gobalakrishna added: “With its vibrant diversity and immense talent, the Malaysian music scene serves as a vital hub for cultural exchange and artistic expression. Dinesh’s appointment signifies our dedication to nurturing this thriving ecosystem.
“With his wealth of experience and innovative approach, we are confident that Dinesh will play a pivotal role in amplifying the influence of Malaysian music, fostering collaboration, and unlocking new opportunities for our artists across the region.”
Jonathan Serbin concluded: “We are thrilled to have Dinesh on board. His extensive experience, strategic mindset, and passion for the industry make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We have every confidence that Dinesh will play a vital role in driving Warner Music’s continued success in Malaysia.”
Ratnam holds a master of engineering degree with honours in mechanical engineering from London’s Imperial College.
