SMITH HEADS DOWNTOWN

Downtown Music has appointed former Warner Chappell U.K. exec Mike Smith to the newly created position of Global President. He starts 9/1 and will continue to be based in London.

Smith will assume day-to-day operations for Downtown’s publishing division and reports directly to Downtown CEO Justin Kalifowitz.

“For as long as I’ve been in the music industry, Mike has set the standard in cultivating strong relationships with some of the most influential songwriters, artists and producers, while also mentoring the next generation of global music executives,” Kalifowitz said.

Smith, who received the Sir George Martin Award at the 2016 A&R Awards, most recently served as Managing Director of Warner Chappell Music in the U.K. There, he oversaw the signings of Liam Gallagher, Dave, J Hus, Celeste and Foals.

Prior to joining Warner Chappell, he was Managing Director of Columbia Records and President of Music at Mercury Records and Virgin/EMI. His past signings include Mark Ronson, Calvin Harris, Gorillaz, Damon Albarn, The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, and Arcade Fire. Smith has also overseen deals with Iggy Azalea, Lizzo, Duke Dumont and The Chemical Brothers, among others.

“Since my first job in the music industry I have been guided by my underlying love for artists and songwriters,” Smith said. “I thoroughly enjoyed the years I spent on the recordings side of the business, but music publishing is where my heart is.

"Downtown’s ability to build a formidable, 21st century music publishing company unencumbered by the baggage of the past has made them an impressive and compelling proposition for songwriters and composers, and I am delighted to become part of their vision.”