WARNER UK SHAKES UP LEADERSHIP

Warner Music UK is making two changes in its leadership and shaking up its label structure. Abbey Road Studios MD Isabel Garvey (right) will become chief operating officer of Warner Music UK, and Jennifer Ivory (below) is taking over as managing director of Parlophone.

The two assume their jobs 5/9.

In addition, Parlophone will join Warner Records UK, Roadrunner, FFRR and Elektra Entertainment in a newly created coalition of labels that will come under the guidance of Warner Records UK President Joe Kentish.

Parlophone will maintain independent A&R and marketing functions but will now draw on a centralized team of experts and adopt a shared-service approach to the other key functions.

WMUK CEO Tony Harlow made the announcement following the release of Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl’s announcement that the company was cutting staff by 4% globally. As part of the U.K. changes, Parlophone Co-Presidents Nick Burgess and Mark "Mitch" Mitchell and General Manager Jack Melhuish will exit the label.

"This is an exciting new phase for WMUK,” Harlow said. “Isabel’s appointment signals our constant evolution, bringing her widely admired creativity, innovation and technological entrepreneurship to the service of our artists and their visions. Jen has been with us for over 14 years and has grown into one of the most exceptional and influential voices at WMUK and one of our best marketeers. She supervised four #1 albums last year alone. Under her leadership, Parlophone’s employees will be dedicated to signing and developing the next generation of talent.

"I'd like to thank Nick and Mitch for an outstanding job at Parlophone. They've been strong and thoughtful leaders in difficult times and, in partnership with Jack, have had a real impact that has been vital to Parlophone's growth. We wish them well in their future adventures."

Garvey, managing director at Abbey Road Studios since 2014, spent five years as SVP of Commercial Channels and Consumer Marketing at Warner Music International and, before that, was VP of digital at EMI.

Ivory, most recently SVP at Warner Records UK, will immediately assume charge of the entire Parlophone portfolio, overseeing the strategic direction of the label and driving an even stronger focus on marketing and creative. Ivory will report to Harlow and Kentish, who will also supervise and refocus Parlophone's A&R team. Ivory will continue to provide marketing support to Warner Records UK.

Moreover, Claire Coster has been upped to director of publicity at WMUK, Jane Arthy has been promoted to SVP of promotions and Theresa Adebiyi is joining as creative director.