Smith Exits Columbia U.K.

SMITH SPLITS COLUMBIA U.K.: Mike Smith has stepped down as managing director of Columbia Records U.K., with no reason given for his departure, which was announced by Sony Music U.K. Chairman/CEO Nick Gatfield this morning. Smith said in a statement: "I have really enjoyed running this legendary label for six years. This is a really exciting time for the music industry and I am looking forward to widening my horizons and embracing new opportunities and challenges." He was made managing director of the label in 2006 and went on to lead it to commercial and critical success, with artists such as Calvin Harris, Mark Ronson, the Ting Tings, MGMT, Magnetic Man, Katy B, the Vaccines and Ryan Adams. Smith also oversaw campaigns for Columbia-signed acts Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, AC/DC, Kings of Leon, Kasabian and Avril Lavigne, among others. His music career begun in the late ‘80s as a talent scout for MCA Music Publishing, where he signed Blur. He moved to EMI Music Publishing in 1992, where his signings included PJ Harvey, Arctic Monkeys, Doves, Supergrass and Arcade Fire. (4/24p)