David Johnson

Dave Johnson is Chairman and CEO of Warner Chappell. Warner Chappell, a division of Warner Music Group, is one of the world’s largest music publishers. Dave began his music business career in 1975 as an attorney in the law department of CBS Inc. He subsequently assumed positions of increasing responsibility at CBS, including head of business affairs at CBS Songs and general counsel, CBS Records Group. 

After Sony’s acquisition of CBS Records in 1988, Dave become senior vice president and general counsel, Sony Music Entertainment.  In that capacity he played a central role in Sony Music’s acquisition of Nashville-based Tree International publishing and in the formation of the Sony/ATV music publishing joint venture between Sony Music and Michael Jackson.  In 1999, Dave joined Warner Music as executive vice president and general counsel, a position he held until December 2006 when he became chairman and CEO, Warner Chappell.  Dave and his wife, painter Kathy Halbower, live in New York and Los Angeles. They have two sons, Will and Tom.