The Board of Directors of the Naxos Music Group has announced the appointment of Matthias Lutzweiler as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Naxos Music Group, effective immediately. Lutzweiler, who has been serving as Acting CEO since October 2024, will be supported by Jeffrey Lien, CEO of Naxos of America, who assumes the role of Global Deputy CEO, and Iwen Schmees, currently CEO of Naxos Deutschland, who will take on the position of Global Chief Operating Officer (COO). Additional senior management appointments will be announced in the coming weeks.
Under the stewardship of founder and former CEO, Klaus Heymann, Naxos grew from a pioneering budget classical music label into the world’s leading independent classical music company renowned for its innovative approach to recording, distribution, and digital streaming.
The Board of Directors of Naxos Music Group states:
“We are delighted to appoint Matthias Lutzweiler as CEO of the Naxos Music Group. Matthias brings a wealth of experience, deep industry knowledge, and a proven track record of leadership within the Naxos organisation. Supported by Jeffrey Lien as Global Deputy CEO and Iwen Schmees as Global COO and other Senior Managers, this leadership team is uniquely positioned to build on Naxos’ legacy of excellence while driving the company forward into a new era of growth and innovation.
We are confident that this leadership team, which consists of experienced people from within the Naxos Music Group will uphold the values and vision that Klaus Heymann instilled in Naxos, while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Together, we will continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers, partners, and the global classical music community.”
Matthias Lutzweiler
Furthermore, the press release says: « Founded in 1987, the Naxos Music Group has revolutionized the classical music industry by making high-quality recordings accessible to a global audience. With a catalogue of over 24,000 recorded albums, plus 3 million tracks on Naxos Music Library, also distributing hundreds of well-respected labels globally, including award-winning albums and exclusive recordings, offices in all major markets, Naxos represents the largest independent classical music company in the world.
In recent years, Naxos has embraced digital transformation, becoming a leader in streaming and on-demand classical music services through all major platforms, but also covering digital markets and DSPs locally.
Looking Ahead: Continuity, Growth, and New Opportunities
Under the new leadership, Naxos Music Group will focus on three key strategic priorities:
- Securing and Strengthening Core Business:
Naxos will continue to invest in its world-class catalogue, artist roster, and distribution networks, traditionally with published products, enhancing the digital distribution globally, ensuring that its recordings remain the gold standard for classical music enthusiasts worldwide and cover the music market both in B2B and B2C areas.
- Expanding into New Markets and Technologies:
The company will explore further opportunities in existing and emerging markets, including Asia and Latin America, and of course in Europe and North America, while leveraging advancements in new technologies, products and supply chains with innovative products and services.
- Fostering Partnerships and Collaboration:
Naxos will deepen its relationships with artists, orchestras, and cultural institutions, while also seeking new partnerships to expand its reach and impact in the global classical music ecosystem, focusing on further expanding partnerships in distribution, the digital and sync/licensing business both for its audio catalogues as well as audiovisual content. »
