ALLEN TO LEAD
REBORN EMI RECORDS

UMG U.K. has relaunched EMI Records by rebranding Virgin EMI, and naming respected long-time Decca exec Rebecca Allen as President. The news arrives shortly after the departure of Virgin EMI President Ted Cockle.

The return of EMI Records marks the return of one of the defining labels in popular music history eight years after its parent company merged with Universal Music Group.

“Growing up in London, EMI was the most iconic brand in British music,” Sir Lucian Grainge said. “When we acquired the company, we committed to new investment, innovation, creativity and, of course, leadership. Not only have we delivered on that promise, but we continue to position EMI for the future.

“The appointment of Becky Allen is a testament to our long-term commitment, and our adamance that the EMI name will mean as much to a new generation of artists and fans as it did for mine. Becky is such a strong leader—creatively and commercially—and has the values, dedication and acumen to keep EMI as the unquestioned home for some of the U.K.’s greatest talent.”

Allen has a 20-year career at UMG behind her, the last three of which have been spent as President of Decca. In her new role, she will oversee the entire team and roster at EMI, which includes Elton John, Paul McCartney, Mark Knopfler, Florence + The Machine, Lewis Capaldi and Bastille.

It also reps international acts such as Justin Bieber, The Killers, Metallica, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Taylor Swift, as well as the Queen catalogue and emerging talent. The Virgin Records imprint will continue under the new EMI Records banner.

David Joseph, to whom Allen reports, said: “Rebecca’s track record at Decca speaks for itself but her string of successes don’t tell the full story: quite simply she is an inspirational leader and no-one has a greater understanding of what it takes to bring artists and music to new audiences. She is an extraordinarily dynamic and creative executive with the vision and ambition to restore EMI Records to its position as a powerhouse of culture and music discovery.”

Allen added: “Being asked to reimagine one of the U.K.’s most important record labels is an incredible opportunity, as is the chance to work with some of the world’s biggest and most innovative artists.”

In recent years, Allen has worked closely with Gregory Porter, Ludovico Einaudi, Imelda May, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Jamie Cullum, The Lumineers, Melody Gardot, Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Andrea Bocelli, whose performance at the Milan Duomo on Easter Sunday became one of the defining cultural moments of 2020.