Warner/Chappell U.K. has promoted international exec Paul Smith to Creative Director, where he’ll continue pairing British writers with global talent.

Since joining the pubco in 2016 as Senior International Creative Manager, Smith has been instrumental in signing songwriters such as Fred Ball, Josh Record, Linnea Södahl (who wrote Zara Larsson's "Lush Life") and Rationale, who has cuts on the way with Katy Perry and Rag’n’Bone Man. He also works closely with songwriters including Amy Wadge, Miranda Cooper and MNEK.

“Paul has been a real dynamo since he joined the Warner/Chappell team,” WCM U.K. boss Mike Smith said. “His energy, enthusiasm, passion and talent have shone through and he’s really delivered for our songwriters. I know that he’ll achieve even more great things in his new role.”

Smith, who is London-based, added, “We’re in a golden era for songwriter collaboration and the business is more global than ever. It’s great to put together our writers from the U.K. with their peers from around the world and watch the alchemy happen as great hits emerge.”

Smith’s career in the music industry began when he joined management company 365 Artists in 2004. While there, he rose to the role of Creative Director and oversaw the development of its new and established artists.