Beatles’ Apple Corps Names Tom Greene As New CEO
London, 1 July 2025 – Apple Corps Ltd., the multimedia empire founded by The Beatles in 1968, has today announced the appointment of Tom Greene as its new Chief Executive Officer. The transition is set to take effect in September 2025, marking a significant milestone: Greene becomes only the third individual to hold the CEO title at the historic organization (thebeatles.com).
A Legacy to Steward
Established to manage and preserve the creative and commercial interests of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, Apple Corps has long been the guardian of The Beatles’ immeasurable cultural legacy. Over the decades, it has overseen everything from archival releases and documentaries to branded experiences and live shows. Today, as a global creative powerhouse, it continues to expand its cultural footprint while maintaining the integrity of the band’s iconic catalogue (thebeatles.com).
Operating from London, the company manages the Beatles’ recorded music, film, book publishing, trademarks, and licensing. Major initiatives under its stewardship include special-edition album releases—Sgt. Pepper, the White Album, Abbey Road, Let It Be, and Revolver—as well as the 2023 chart-topping single “Now And Then,” which returned The Beatles to No. 1 in the UK and secured a Grammy win and Brit Award nomination (thebeatles.com). Notably, Apple Corps has also backed critically acclaimed documentaries, including Peter Jackson’s Get Back, which swept five Emmy Awards in 2021 (thebeatles.com).
The CEO Legacy
Prior to Greene, Neil Aspinall (1968–2007) and Jeff Jones (2007–2025) held the reins. Aspinall, originally The Beatles’ road manager, became the de facto CEO before the title was formally adopted. Under his guidance, Apple Corps launched seminal projects such as the Anthology series, the Rock Band video game franchise, and early digital catalog remasters (en.wikipedia.org).
Jeff Jones, appointed in April 2007, ushered The Beatles fully into the digital era. He led the launch of TheBeatles.com, managed the landmark remastered catalogue releases on CD, vinyl, and iTunes, and oversaw multimedia ventures like Yellow Submarine, Help!, and Cirque du Soleil’s LOVE. Jones also executive-produced major documentaries (Eight Days A Week, Get Back) and the Beatles ’64 project (en.wikipedia.org).
On 21 October 2024, Apple Corps announced that Jones was stepping down but did not immediately name his successor (musicbusinessworldwide.com). At that point, the global music press and fan communities began speculating about who might steer the franchise into its next phase—now revealed to be Tom Greene.
Tom Greene: A Creative-Technologist Executive
Tom Greene brings to Apple Corps a distinctive blend of storytelling, technology, and brand-building experience.
- Harry Potter Franchise: Greene held senior roles at Pottermore Publishing and Wizarding World Digital—a joint venture with Warner Bros. Under his leadership, the Harry Potter Fan Club reached over 50 million members, supported by immersive content, digital engagement, and innovative e-commerce (thebeatles.com). He remains on the board of Pottermore, showcasing his ongoing investment in media-tech ecosystems (thebeatles.com).
- Esports and Entertainment: As COO of BLAST, a global esports company, Greene drove 20-fold growth, expanding operations into London, Copenhagen, Berlin, New York, and Mumbai. He also remains on BLAST’s board (thebeatles.com).
These experiences give Greene a rare vantage point at the intersection of fan-driven digital ecosystems and entertainment brand extension—expertise that aligns seamlessly with Apple Corps’ strategic priorities.
Why Greene?
In the joint statement, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Olivia Harrison, and Sean Ono Lennon described Greene as having the “experience and vision” needed to realize Apple Corps’ ambitious plans (thebeatles.com). Their emphasis on Greene’s ability to drive “exciting plans” underscores the organization’s intention to evolve while safeguarding its legendary past.
Greene himself articulated a vision both respectful of tradition and oriented toward the future:
“It is a huge honour to lead Apple Corps into this new phase of its history. … At a time when the world might need more of The Beatles’ spirit, there are so many new and innovative ways to bring their unique magic to all generations of fans. I cannot wait to get started.” (thebeatles.com)
This balance—honoring heritage while embracing new media formats and global fan experiences—captures the DNA of Apple Corps’ next chapter.
What’s Ahead for Apple Corps?
Greene steps into the role at a time brimming with opportunity:
- Cinematic Universe
A four‑film Beatles biopic event, produced in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment and Neal Street Productions, is slated for release in April 2028. Directed by Sam Mendes and penned by Jez Butterworth, Jack Thorne, and Peter Straughan, it features Harris Dickinson, Barry Keoghan, Paul Mescal, and Joseph Quinn portraying the four Beatles. Notably, this project marks the first time Apple Corps has granted full rights to the band’s music and life story for a scripted cinematic narrative (thebeatles.com, musicbusinessworldwide.com). - Music Catalog Innovation
Apple Corps continues to invest in special editions of classic albums (Abbey Road, Revolver, etc.) and leverage archival materials in new formats. The success of “Now And Then” confirms the enduring appeal and commercial viability of Beatles brand-new content (thebeatles.com). - Digital Fan Engagement
Drawing from Greene’s experience with Potterhead communities, Apple Corps may pursue deeper digital fan platforms—encompassing streaming, e-commerce, and global fan-club services that keep audiences continually connected. - Licensing & Partnerships
Apple Corps is poised to maintain its careful stewardship over Beatles IP—balancing protective licensing with opportunities in gaming, broadcasting, fashion, collectibles, and experiential events (apple.com).
The Strategic Fit
Greene’s skill set aligns with key organizational goals:
- Fan-Centric Strategy: His work with digital communities shows he can cultivate loyal, global fanbases over time—vital for long-term brand relevance.
- Content Ecosystem Growth: Greene’s track record suggests he can orchestrate large-scale content rollouts across mediums—music, film, merchandise, digital no platforms.
- Business Scalability: Managing growth across continents at BLAST points to his operational capabilities, valuable for steering Apple Corps’ expansion into new territories and ventures.
- Respectful Innovation: His roles in heritage franchises imply an ability to honor legacy while adapting to contemporary tastes.
Steering into a New Phase
Apple Corps has flourished under the stewardship of Aspinall and Jones; Greene’s appointment signals a continuation of that success—and an exciting evolution. As he takes the helm in September, fans and industry observers will be watching to see how Greene harnesses new technologies and global storytelling to carry The Beatles’ spirit forward.
Key Dates & Milestones
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Apple Corps founded by The Beatles |
| 2007 | Jeff Jones becomes CEO |
| Oct 2024 | Jeff Jones announces departure |
| 1 July 2025 | Tom Greene named new CEO |
| Sep 2025 | Greene’s tenure begins |
| April 2028 | Launch of Beatles four-film biopic project |
In Summary
Appointing Tom Greene reflects Apple Corps’ ambition to remain both a custodian and innovator of The Beatles’ legacy. With Greene’s rich experience in fan engagement, digital ecosystems, and global franchise scaling, Apple Corps is well-positioned to explore fresh avenues—from immersive digital platforms and cinematic storytelling to new musical releases and beyond. As Greene prepares to lead the company into its next chapter, The Beatles’ timeless appeal seems poised to resonate across generations and mediums yet again.
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