SONY U.K. TAPS POLYDOR A&R EXEC

Prior to adjusting their spellcheck settings for an onslaught of acts who favor the letter "z" are, from left, RCA U.K. and Ministry of Sound Recordings President David Dollimore,Head of A&R, Ministry of Sound Recordings, Zeon Richards, and Dipesh Parmar, Managing Director, Ministry of Sound Recordings.

Sony U.K. has hired Zeon Richards from UMG’s Polydor as Head of A&R for Ministry of Sound Recordings. The exec has been a key player in the urban scene over the past few years, signing acts such as Stefflon Don, Wretch 32—who he first signed to Ministry when it was an independent label—Steel Banglez and viral artist Ramz.

In his new role, Richards will be leading the A&R team and signing new acts to Ministry's growing roster, which includes Sigala, DJ Fresh and London Grammar. He reports directly to MD Dipesh Parmar.

“He's completely immersed in modern culture and his taste, drive and ambition will be a huge asset to the label,” Parmar said. “I had the pleasure of working with Zeon and had a huge amount of success with Wretch 32. He is the perfect executive to help drive the label forward.”

Richards also runs music management company The Renowned Group (Wretch 32, Knox Brown, Hamzaa). Of joining Sony, he said: “I am really excited to be working with such a renowned and respected company in Ministry of Sound and I look forward to leading a forward-thinking A&R team.”