Warner Music UK is making two changes in its leadership and shaking up its label structure. Abbey Road Studios MD Isabel Garvey will become chief operating officer of Warner Music UK and Jennifer Ivory is taking over as managing director of Parlophone. The two assume their jobs 5/9.
In addition, Parlophone will join Warner Records UK, Roadrunner, FFRR and Elektra Entertainment in a newly created coalition of labels that will sit under the overall guidance of Warner Records UK President Joe Kentish.
Parlophone will maintain independent A&R and marketing functions but will now draw on a centralized team of experts and adopt a shared service approach to the other key functions.
WMUK CEO Tony Harlow made the announcements following the release of Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl’s announcement that the company was cutting the staff by 4% globally. As part of the U.K. changes, Parlophone Co-Presidents Nick Burgess and Mark 'Mitch' Mitchell, and General Manager Jack Melhuish will exit the label.
"This is an exciting new phase for WMUK,” Harlow said. “Isabel’s appointment signals our constant evolution, bringing her widely admired creativity, innovation and technological entrepreneurship to the service of our artists and their visions. Jen has been with us for over 14 years and has grown into one of the most exceptional and influential voices at WMUK and one of our best marketeers. She supervised four #1 albums last year alone. Under her leadership, Parlophone’s employees will be dedicated to signing and developing the next generation of outstanding talent."
