EMI APPOINTS TWO

EMI Group Chairman Guy Hands has appointed execs to head two new major business units within its recorded music division, one from Terra Firma and one company veteran.

Stephen Alexander is appointed EVP EMI Music Catalog, Compilations, Studios and Archives (CCSA), a new group that is intended to maximize the value and the revenue from the Group’s back catalog for both the company and its artists.

Alexander has been a Managing Director at Terra Firma for the past five years, with more than 25 years’ running consumer businesses. His immediate priorities are to ensure the continued delivery of targeted consumer products, in multiple formats, derived from EMI’s rich and varied catalog. Like creating the ultimate Frank Sinatra/Beatles mash-up.

Current EVP Global Sales Ronn Werre adds EVP EMI Music Licensing and Synch to his responsibilities, and will look to maximize the licensing revenue opportunities for Group artists across the full media spectrum. In other words, Lily Allen lunchboxes.

Werre joined EMI Music in 1998 as VP of major accounts and in 2005 he was appointed President of EMI Music Marketing in North America, overseeing sales, catalog, synch, licensing and special markets. Prior to EMI, he held key sales and marketing positions for consumer products companies, including Procter and Gamble, Campbell Soup, Quaker Oats and Coca-Cola.

Commented Alexander: “I am delighted to accept this new role. EMI has one of the most important music catalogues and archives in the world, with artists that include The Beatles, David Bowie, Queen, Pink Floyd, Dean Martin, the Beach Boys, Bob Seger, Maria Callas and many others. The team and I will work to ensure we make the most out of this fantastic resource, bringing it to the widest possible audience.”

Werre added: “I am very pleased to take on this expanded role. Licensing and Synch are fast-growing areas of the music industry and ones where EMI has scored some notable successes in recent years. Together with the team I am looking forward to building on this performance.”

Added Hands: “I am looking forward to working with Stephen and Ronn in these important roles. We have a responsibility to all our artists to maximize the returns on their music, both when newly released and over many years. Stephen’s and Ronn’s skills and drive will deliver real benefits to them. Or my name isn't Guy Caballero.”