31
9 776669 776136
THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC
www.musicweek.com
PUBLISHING 15
“This is a hugely important time for the publishing sector and digital music - a tipping point”
12 BIG INTERVIEW
“We simply had a bigger vision than everyone else for what we could do with Hyde Park”
02.08.13 £5.15
PROFILE 32
“Seeing George Martin on TV was like watching a music teacher”
Warner emulates EMI structure MAJOR SAYS IT SEES ‘HUGE OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH’ AS SENIOR TEAM TAKES SHAPE
LABELS BY TIM INGHAM
I
f hearing that senior executives will be working across both Warner Bros Records and
Parlophone at WMG sounds familiar, that’s because it is: the major label has told Music Week that the new structure will operate in a similar way to its old rival EMI. The company announced its
new setup last week after its £487m acquisition of Parlophone Label Group. Music Week understands that other, less senior staff will find out their fate at the UK company this Thursday (August 2). When part of EMI,
Parlophone shared promotion, marketing and A&R resource with sister label Virgin Records - now owned by Universal. At WMG, former PLG A&R boss Miles Leonard (pictured above left) has been named both chairman of Parlophone and, in a dual role, co-chairman of Warner Bros Records - reporting into WMG UK CEO, and fellow co- chairman of WBR, Christian Tattersfield (pictured above right).
unique identity of each label. That’s absolutely vital for us - creatively and culturally - and it’s why I’ll continue to play an active role in Warner Bros.” Tattersfield said that his
Elsewhere, Kevin McCabe and Mandy Plumb have also been given new roles spanning both Parlophone and Warner Bros. Plumb becomes SVP, marketing, Parlophone & Warner Bros UK. McCabe becomes SVP, media, Parlophone & Warner Bros. UK. Jeremy Marsh, currently vice chairman, Warner Bros Records UK, assumes the role of EVP, international marketing, WMUK.
“It’s a similar structure to the
one that Miles and the team came from before the EMI sale – leadership is shared and each label will have distinct A&R teams as well as other dedicated specialists working for them,” Tattersfield told Music Week. “We want to grow both labels and this structure gives Parlophone and Warner Bros. Records access to a wide mix of world-class experience and expertise while preserving the
attention had already turned to potential market share gains with Parlophone joining Warner Bros and Atlantic as a frontline label within WMG. “Artist development is what sets us apart and will continue to be the key to our success,” he said. “Our experience in the last few years at WMUK, and especially with Atlantic, shows that the potential is enormous. With Parlophone, we’re adding another label that excels at finding and nurturing UK talent, and when you look at the success of artists we represent - whether that’s Ed Sheeran or Rudimental, Coldplay or Tinie, Muse or Biffy - it sends a powerful signal about what we can achieve. Combine that with the investment we’ll make behind A&R, our increased global reach and the blend of talent in our executive team and it adds up to a huge opportunity for growth.” The exec commented that Parlophone artists and their
managers had responded “very positively” to the takeover. “They know that we offer long-term, stable ownership and that we plan to invest in A&R,” he said. “Miles is key, not just because he’s been so crucial in the development of the Parlophone roster but also because his experience will be invaluable to Warner Bros. UK and also as a part of the UK’s senior leadership team.” Atlantic Records remains
unchanged, with the likes of Mark Mitchell (general manager) and Damian Christian (director of promotions) reporting into the label’s chairman Max Lousada. Additional new positions
within Warner Music UK include Bob Workman, who is named VP, brand partnerships, WMUK and Rich Robinson, who becomes VP, synch, UK and Europe. Meanwhile, Derek Allen assumes the position of SVP, sales, Warner Music UK, reporting to Simon Robson who retains his role as COO & CFO, WMUK. Jonathan Cross remains VP, business affairs, WMUK and Paul Craig continues to serve as SVP, artist partnerships, WMUK.
Vivendi committed to Universal after gaming giant sell-off
Industry tongues were set wagging after one of Universal parent Vivendi’s crown jewels - video games giant Activision Blizzard - was last week sold by the French media conglomerate. But the company has since told Music Week that UMG will remain at “the centre” of its future plans.
Activision was effectively
bought by its management team, alongside outside investors, for $8 billion. The news came soon after reports that Japanese telecoms group SoftBank had earlier this month made an $8.5 billion bid for Universal Music. According to Vivendi,
however, its commitment to
media has only become stronger after the Activision sale - with music playing a vital role. “Vivendi sees its future in media and content, being centred on its Universal Music Group business and Canal + Pay Televison,” said a spokesperson. Activision Blizzard’s intention to buy 429 million shares from
Vivendi for $5.83 billion was revealed last week. On top of that, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick (pictured) and co-chairman Brian Kelly formed an investor group to acquire 172 million shares for $2.34 billion - $100 million of which personally comes from both execs.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60