Warner Music has announced the promotion of Mike Caren to President, Worldwide A&R.

Working across Warner labels such as Atlantic, Elektra and Warner Bros. Records, as well as its international affiliates, Caren’s responsibilities will include discovering new artists, nurturing existing signings and liaising with the company’s A&R executives around the world.

In this new role, he will report directly to Lyor Cohen, Chairman & CEO, Recorded Music, WMG.

Caren will also launch a new company in association with Atlantic Records, called Artist Partners, which will offer creative services to entrepreneurial talent.

Lyor Cohen said: “Mike is an outstanding A&R executive. His unwavering commitment to extraordinary music has resulted in the discovery of many visionary artists, and the achievement of their true potential. He will now bring his rare mix of musical ability, creative instinct and entrepreneurial drive to WMG’s company-wide focus on artist development.”

Mike Caren said: “During the past twenty years I have been involved in every aspect of the creative process. I’ve learned how important A&R can be in all stages of an artistic career, and I’m delighted to work at a company where that commitment to artists is at the center of everything we do. Lyor Cohen and the leadership across Atlantic and Warner Bros. are providing an incredible environment that enables our artists and label teams to play to their strengths. I am excited to be collaborating with them as we develop the latest generation of A&R talent and nurture tomorrow’s global superstars. My goal, with both WMG and Artist Partners, is to help artists realize their entire vision, be it creative, marketing or entrepreneurial.”

After roles at SRC/Loud Records and Ruthless Records, Caren started his career at Atlantic in 1995 at the label’s Big Beat imprint. His most recent position at Atlantic was Executive Vice President, A&R.

In the last decade alone, he has been responsible for signing more than fifteen artists that have released Gold and Platinum-selling records including Trey Songz, T.I., Flo Rida and B.o.B. In June 2009, when Elektra Records was re-launched, he added Co-President of the label to his responsibilities.The label has since enjoyed success with artists such as Bruno Mars, Cee-Lo Green and Ed Sheeran, and at the latest Grammys received eleven nominations and took home three awards.  He has also produced records from Kanye West, Jennifer Lopez, David Guetta, Cobra Starship, Jem and Asher Roth. –Music Week