Feature of the Month: Mercedes Brown

We’re always thrilled to catch up with our incredible alumnae and hear about their amazing journeys! This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Mercedes Brown, Class of 2010, who’s making waves as the International Marketing Director at Warner Music Group. Mercedes takes us behind the scenes of her career, sharing how embracing boldness at LEH gave her the confidence to climb the career ladder and connect with global superstars like Sean Paul, Blossoms, Aurora, and more! Get ready for an exclusive look into the world of music, marketing, and major success!

How did your education or experiences at LEH prepare you for your current role?

They say at LEH, “Hope Flavours the Bold”—and that couldn’t be more true. What I remember most about my time there is how brilliantly we were challenged. We were constantly encouraged to push ourselves, take risks, and develop a well-rounded skill set—something I now realise has been instrumental to everything I’ve achieved since. LEH gave me structure, discipline, and a sense of routine that I didn’t fully appreciate at the time, but which laid the foundation for both my personal and professional growth.

The school instilled in me the belief that hard work is always worth it, and that merit is recognised. I also felt that the Arts were truly valued at LEH—something that can often be overlooked in other schools. That environment not only nurtured my creative interests but also helped build the resilience, perseverance, and self-belief that have carried me through the challenges of adult life.

What’s your favourite LEH memory?

Some of my favourite memories at LEH are from music classes with Mr Yeo Sat-Soon and guitar lessons with Freddy D'Albert—I genuinely wouldn’t have the career I have today without their support and encouragement. I’m also incredibly grateful to the friends I roped into forming a school band, who humoured my slightly odd obsessions.

Can you walk us through your career path and what led you to become an International Marketing Director?

They say all music industry executives are failed musicians, and in my case, that might be true. My musical journey ended with a GCSE composition assignment and the realisation that songwriting wasn't my strength. But what I lacked in talent, I made up for in passion. Looking back, I now understand that what I thought was an obsession with music was actually a “special interest,” something I better understand now as an adult diagnosed with ADHD.

Straight out of education, I threw myself into the industry. I signed up for newsletters, joined street teams, and volunteered at live events. My first real opportunity came in 2011 with an internship at Roadrunner Records. It was my first taste of office life, where I learned that making a great cup of tea can surprisingly take you far. More importantly, I was shown generosity, guidance, and encouragement that still shapes me today.

From there, I took on various roles—Label Assistant, Agent Assistant, PR Assistant—building a solid foundation across many corners of the industry. This breadth was crucial in becoming a well-rounded marketeer. My first major label experience came with an internship at Universal Music in Global Marketing. I worked on catalogue releases, learning quickly about international campaigns, spreadsheets, and tea.

After a stint at an indie label, I missed the scale of major labels and moved to Sony. I started in Production, then transitioned to Marketing for compilations. Eventually, an old boss from Universal brought me back as an International Product Manager. Working with artists like Aurora, Blossoms, and Sean Paul, I fell in love with international marketing—fast-paced, relentless, and deeply rewarding. There’s something uniquely fulfilling about building global relationships, understanding cultural nuances, and shaping an artist’s international presence.

I later moved to Warner to secure a senior role, briefly explored artist management, and then returned as an International Marketing Director. Working at Warner has been career-defining. The company fosters a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and global thinking. I’ve been empowered to push boundaries, explore bold ideas, and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry. There’s a unique spirit here that’s hard to describe but easy to feel—and I’m proud to be part of it.

What exciting projects are you working on?

Every day feels exciting because we’re working in a space that’s constantly shifting—whether it's driven by cultural trends, digital innovation, or how people engage with music globally. The pace is fast, but that's what makes it so energising. While there’s a lot I can’t share publicly just yet, I can say that we’re gearing up for the release of a highly anticipated mixtape from the UK’s hottest internet sensation PinkPantheress—someone who’s gone viral in a way that’s redefining what breakout success looks like in 2025, whilst keeping complete artistic integrity and control.

At the same time, we’re preparing for the next leg of Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism tour. The campaign around this tour has been a masterclass in global collaboration, and it’s been a privilege to be part of something that connects with audiences on such a massive scale. From localised marketing rollouts to digital fan engagement strategies, there’s always a new challenge—and that’s what keeps the work so compelling.

What has been the most rewarding part of your role as an International Marketing Director?

The most rewarding part of my role as an International Marketing Director is getting to witness how an artist's vision can move across borders and connect with audiences around the world. 

What makes it even more special is our team, who work relentlessly hard and the collaboration with international partners. There's something really powerful about being part of a network across time zones, all aligned with the same goal.

It's a privilege I'll never take for granted.

What advice would you give to an LEH alumna aspiring to pursue a career in international marketing?

Never give up. Persistence is everything. There’s a quote often (and somewhat questionably) by Hunter S. Thompson that’s always stuck with me:

“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.”

It’s obviously exaggerated—but it captures the intensity oddly accurately. 

You need resilience, adaptability, and a genuine passion. Be willing to put in the hours and show up even when it’s hard. It might not always be easy, but if you love it, it will absolutely be worth it.