Colombian songwriter/producer/ composer Julio Reyes Copello has inked a multi-year global deal with Sony Music Publishing.
Having penned hits for Latin stars like Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Thalía and more, the four-time Grammy and seven-time Latin Grammy winner is currently working on upcoming releases with Pablo Alborán, Anthony and Alejandro Sanz, among others.
“I have known and admired Julio for many years,” said SMP President/CEO, Latin America and U.S. Latin, Jorge Mejia. “It is a dream come true, therefore, to finally be able to work directly with Julio, as well as the artists and songwriters he’s developing.”
“I am very grateful for the belief, respect, and enthusiasm that Jorge Mejia and his team have shown, which will be essential in order to find new outlets and homes for my music,” added Copello.
In addition to his songwriting, Copello founded Art House Records, where he’s discovered and developed emerging acts like Joaquina, Riza and Ela Taubert, among others.
He’s also partnered with the Abbey Road Institute to establish the Art House Academy, a venture that offers courses and training to develop and educate the next generation of musicians, producers and engineers.
Warner Chappell Music has welcomed Arica Ng as President, Asia Pacific.
Based in Hong Kong, Ng will report to WCM Co-Chair/CEO, Guy Moot, and will oversee WCM’s operations across Asia Pacific.
“We are very pleased to welcome Arica to the Warner Chappell family. Her incredible breadth of music and tech expertise coupled with her regional-wide perspective is a real win for us,” said Moot.
“As a passionate music enthusiast and advocate for diversity, I am excited to steward our talented and dedicated team to amplify the voices of the region's songwriters, providing them with a platform to showcase their incredible talents,” added Ng.
“Arica’s leadership, outstanding experience, and incredible track record will help Warner Chappell and our songwriters achieve tremendous success,” shared WCM Co-Chair/COO, Carianne Marshall.
Joining WCM from Meta, where she was the group’s Head of Music Business Development, Asia Pacific, Ng brings nearly 20 years of experience to her new role. Prior to Meta, she was Google’s Head of Music Publishing, Asia Pacific, and previously held senior roles at Sony Music, Nokia and SingTel.
UMP Scandinavia, a division of UMPG, has promoted Jonas Wikström to Managing Director of the Nordics, effective immediately.
Reporting to UMPG COO Marc Cimino, he succeeds Martin Ingeström, who will remain with the company in an elevated role as Chairman of UMP Nordics until his planned retirement in June.
Most recently serving as EVP of A&R/Creative, Wikström joined UMPG in 2002 and has been responsible for UMPG Nordics A&R and creative operations throughout his tenure, including inking songwriters like Swedish House Mafia’s Sebastian Ingrosso, Axwell and Steve Angello, among others.
“Having had the great benefit of learning from the best-in-class, Martin Ingeström, Jonas has been a vital part of our company over the last 20 years and is best positioned to lead our Nordics’ operations to new heights. Jody Gerson and I are excited to watch him flourish as a leader of our teams there,” said Cimino.
“Alongside our talented clients and colleagues, it’s a privilege to continue growing UMPG’s value and reaching new goals with the music we so proudly represent,” added Wikström.
“I hired Jonas 20 years ago and he has done an excellent job of developing our A&R department and creative work. His promotion to Managing Director is very well-deserved and reflects his longtime commitment to our talented songwriters and wonderful company,” shared Ingeström.
Picutred below are (l-r) Wikström and Ingeström.
