PLATT, McCARROLL LIVIN’ LARGE AT EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING

Roger Faxon has made a pair of key moves within the executive hierarchy of EMI Music Publishing, naming Big Jon Platt as President of West Coast Creative, and promoting Dan McCarroll to Executive Vice President East Coast Creative. Both will report directly to Faxon. Concurrently, Faxon announced the formation of a North American leadership group.

With the promotion, Platt becomes EMP’s ranking West Coast executive, giving him oversight of West Coast-based songwriters and composers across all genres. Meanwhile, he’ll continue to head up the pubbery’s urban music department. Platt’s signings include Jay-Z, Kanye West, Usher, Beyoncé, Ludacris and Young Jeezy.

“Big Jon has built his career by championing his songwriters,” said Faxon. “His passion for the music, his understanding of the creative process, his compassion for his songwriters and his clear-minded dedication to helping each of the writers he represents sets him apart. He has raised the art of music discovery and client service to a whole new level. His track record says it all. That is why I am so pleased that Big Jon will now bring his energy, insight and dedication to our entire West Coast roster and will continue to serve our Urban writers.”

Said Platt: "I am energized by this expansion of my creative and leadership role. I have long been in awe of the extraordinary and broad range of uniquely talented songwriters and composers, of all musical genres, represented by EMI Music Publishing. The repertoire of our writers, and the depth of the catalogs we publish are at the very heart of the musical heritage in every region of North America. I look forward to supporting the creative juices of every one of our writers and to developing new and exciting ways to expand their reach throughout the world."

The awarding of EVP stripes to McCarroll—onetime drummer of The Greys, who’s come along way since the five minutes he spent at HITS in 2001—reflects his expanding role in the company as well as the importance of the East Coast creative department, which the California transplant has headed up for the last eight months. His signings include Death Cab for Cutie, Panic! at the Disco, Gym Class Heroes, Brian Howes and Butch Walker.

Faxon noted that Dan McCarroll “has already established a wonderful track record in the short time he has held this job. His commercial judgment, his understanding of the dynamics of the changing marketplace and most important, his dedication to doing what is right for his songwriters is second to none. That is what makes it such a pleasure to recognize his important role in the future of the company by promoting him to Executive Vice President East Coast Creative.”

Commented McCarroll: "The future of music and the challenges that come with it are very exciting to me. I’m really proud of our writers. Their great songs and hard work always inspires me. It is our job to ensure that those songs are heard and that is always our focus. I am proud to be on a team that values music and the talented people who create it."

Additionally, the two executives will be part of the newly formed North American Songwriter Leadership Council, along with Nashville topper Gary Overton, Canadian chief Michael McCarty and Latin division MD Nestor Casonu. The Council’s co-chairs will be Faxon and worldwide EVP Leo Corbett.

Commenting on the changes, Faxon said: “The creation of the North American Songwriters Leadership Council is a milestone for EMI Music Publishing. In this new world, we’ll seize every opportunity and explore every avenue we can in our quest to assist songwriters. For the first time, the creative leadership of our North American business, working together, will have access to the full array of our resources to help each of our songwriters and composers accomplish their goals.”

Faxon also acknowledged the contributions of longtime staffer Jody Gerson, who will exit the company soon. “As she moves to the next stage of her career, we all wish her well,” he said.