Ole Obermann


Ole Obermann is an American music industry executive serving as Co-Head of Apple Music since April 2025. He previously served as Global Head of Music Business Development at ByteDance/TikTok from 2019 to 2025, and earlier held senior digital roles at Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment.

Early life and education

Obermann is a graduate of Colgate University.

Career

Sony Music Entertainment

Obermann joined Sony Music Entertainment in 2006, rising to Senior Vice President of international roles before being promoted in 2012 to Executive Vice President, Global Digital Partner Development and Sales.

Warner Music Group

In November 2016, Obermann was appointed Chief Digital Officer and Executive Vice President, Business Development at Warner Music Group, overseeing global business development and streaming strategy. During his tenure, Warner announced a broad licensing agreement with Facebook covering recorded music and publishing catalogs for use across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Oculus. He departed Warner in 2019.

ByteDance / TikTok

Obermann joined TikTok/ByteDance in 2019 as Vice President and Global Head of Music, later expanding his remit to Global Head of Music Business Development and IP. Reporting has credited his team with initiatives including the SoundOn artist distribution platform, SiriusXM’s TikTok Radio, and live event programming such as TikTok in the Mix, as well as navigating a high-profile licensing dispute and renewal with Universal Music Group. He was a frequent public interlocutor on TikTok’s relationship with the music industry, including interviews with Forbes and WBUR’s On Point.
In February 2025, trade publications reported that Obermann would exit TikTok in March; industry outlets later confirmed his appointment as Co-Head of Apple Music alongside Rachel Newman.