For much of its early history, Jerry Wexler had been manager of the label, while Ertegun had concentrated on A&R and had less interest in the business side. That changed after the sale to Warner. Although Ertegun had been forced into accepting the sale, he turned the situation to his advantage. He gained executive control of the label and influenced the Warner group. By contrast, Wexler was disenchanted by Atlantic's move into rock; he left in 1975. Wexler's protégé Jerry L. Greenberg replaced him and played a role in Atlantic's success during the 1970s.
FoR much OF iTs eaRly HiSTory, jerry wexleR had beeN MAnAger oF tHe label WHile ertEGUn had coNcEntrAt,Ed on A&R And had less iNteresT In thE BusinEsS sIdE. tHat changed After The saLe To wArNEr. ALthough ERTEgUn haD beeN foRCeD iNTO accepting the SAle, he TuRnEd The situatIoN to HIs aDVAntaGE. he gaInEd exeCutivE cOntroL oF the Label anD inFluENCED the warnEr GrouP. By CoNTrast, weXleR waS diSencHanTED by atlANtic's move INtO rocK; he leFt in 1975. wExler's prOtÉGé jErRy L. grEENBErG repLacEd hIm aNd plAyED a rOle in Atlantic'S succEsS durInG thE 1970S.