Bengaluru: Warner Music Group (WMG) is expanding its global technology operations in India with the upcoming launch of a new technology hub in Bengaluru, strengthening its focus on engineering, data infrastructure, artificial intelligence and digital products.
The Bengaluru hub, scheduled to officially open next month, will support WMG’s global technology ecosystem across music distribution, data infrastructure and audience and marketing data products. It will also drive engineering initiatives leveraging AI and other emerging technologies.
Mahesh Rao, Director of Software Engineering and Site Lead for India at WMG, is spearheading the expansion. He is responsible for the company’s engineering strategy, organisational design, budgets and operating model for its India operations. Rao reports directly to WMG Chief Technology Officer Leho Nigul, based in Toronto.
Before joining WMG, Rao was with Walmart Global Tech, where he led software development initiatives for the retail major.
The expansion builds on the technology team WMG has established in India over the past year. The company is currently recruiting across multiple technology disciplines as it scales its engineering capabilities from Bengaluru.
“We’re building a world-class music tech organization right here in Bengaluru. The caliber of talent in this market is exceptional, and we’re looking for ambitious engineers and innovators who want to help shape the future of the global music industry,” said Mahesh Rao.
Leho Nigul, Chief Technology Officer, WMG, said Bengaluru would play a central role in the company’s broader engineering strategy.
“Bengaluru isn’t just an extension of our tech team – it’s central to WMG’s global engineering strategy. We’re investing heavily in local leadership, modern tech stacks, and globally competitive compensation to attract engineers who want to solve complex, high-throughput systems problems at the intersection of music and AI,” Nigul said.
The Bengaluru expansion is part of WMG’s broader commitment to India. The company established its India operations six years ago, with its headquarters in Mumbai, and has since expanded its footprint across the country’s creative and business ecosystem.
Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Warner Music India, said the company sees significant opportunities in India across both the creative and technology sectors.
“Since establishing our presence in India six years ago with our Mumbai headquarters, WMG has been deeply committed to the market. Our global leadership recognizes the incredible opportunities here – from our vibrant creative ecosystem to our world-class technology talent. I’m delighted that Mahesh is spearheading our expansion in Bengaluru,” Mehta said.
With the new Bengaluru hub, WMG is positioning India as a key technology centre within its global operations, with the facility expected to contribute to high-throughput technology systems and AI-led capabilities supporting the global music business.
