GATFIELD NAMES STEVENSON PRESIDENT, VIRGIN U.S.

In his first major move as EMI’s new President, A&R, North America, UK & Ireland, Nick Gatfield has appointed Rob Stevenson to the top creative post at Virgin in America, confirming a report by our own I.B. Bad earlier this month. As President, Virgin U.S., Stevenson will report to Gatfield and will be based in New York. He starts his new gig Aug. 15.

Stevenson, formerly EVP A&R at Island Def Jam, brings a solid track record in signing and breaking new artists as well as digital expertise to this key creative role at EMI in America. The acts he signed and developed at Island—including Fall Out Boy, The Killers, The Bravery, Sum 41, Lady Sovereign, Saliva and Thrice—have collectively sold 26 million albums worldwide. During this time, he was also President of Stolen Transmission, his joint venture imprint with IDJ.

Said Gatfield: “I’ve known and worked with Rob for several years during my time at Universal and have great respect his A&R instincts, creativity and business acumen. Rob’s track record speaks for itself: he’s been responsible for the breakout success of some of the world’s most exciting, original musical artists, and I will depend on him to help me transform EMI’s approach to A&R. Rob shares my view that we must be fearless about embracing innovation and that we must work to create true partnership with artists.”

Commented Stevenson: “When Nick offered me the chance to work with him again and to help reinvigorate a top music brand name like EMI, I couldn’t refuse. I look forward to work with an exciting roster of established stars, and to take on an amazing opportunity to create Virgin as the most exciting place for artists to be. We’ll smash the model and break the rules and create true partnerships with creative talent.”

Stevenson held a variety of senior A&R positions at UMG, including VP A&R at Island from 2002 to 2006, following two years as Director in the department. He joined Mercury as an A&R Manager in 1998. Stevenson began his career at ad agency Ogilvy and Mather.