EMI has announced two major appointments to run new catalog based business units within the recorded
music division.
Stephen Alexander has been appointed
Executive Vice President of EMI Music Catalog, Compilations, Studios and
Archives (CCSA), a new group that is tasked with maximizing revenue from back catalog.
Ronn Werre has added the title EVO EMI Music Licensing and Synch in addition to his role as EVP Global Sales. Werre's group will work to expnad EMI’s licensing revenue.
(More on Werre and quotes from him, Alexander and EMI head Guys Hands after the jump.)
COMMENTARY:
It's
good news that Hands understands that revenue from repackaging
and licensing of EMI's rich catalog deserve more attention. But two
aspects of the announcement send up warning flags for the company's future:
- Hands had promised less not more middle management. Does EMI really need more expensive vice-presidents and the salaries and perks that go along with them? It would seem that these departments need foot soldiers; not more suits.
- What message does it send when the first major post-purchase announcement was staff cuts and the second is more resources for catalog? Doesn't Hands & CO realize that catalog with lasting value is only created by sustained artist development? Where are those resources? Where is that announcement?
MORE ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT:
Werre
joined EMI Music in 1998 as VP of major accounts and took on increasingly
expanded roles. In 2005 he was appointed President of EMI Music Marketing in North Americaoverseeing sales, catalog, synch,
licensing and special markets. Prior to EMI, he held key sales and marketing
positions for consumer products companies, including Procter and Gamble,
Campbell Soup, Quaker Oats and Coca-Cola.
Speaking about his new role, Stephen
Alexander commented: “I am delighted to accept this new role. EMI has one of the
most important music catalogues and archives in the world, with artists that
include The Beatles, David Bowie, Queen, Pink Floyd, Dean Martin, the Beach
Boys, Bob Seger, Maria Callas and many others. The team and I will work to
ensure we make the most out of this fantastic resource, bringing it to the
widest possible audience.”
Ronn Werre added: “I am very pleased
to take on this expanded role. Licensing and Synch are fast-growing areas of the
music industry and ones where EMI has scored some notable successes in recent
years. Together with the team I am looking forward to building on this
performance.”
Guy Hands, EMI Group Chairman, said: “I am looking forward to working with Stephen and Ronn in these important roles. We have a responsibility to all our artists to maximise the returns on their music, both when newly released and over many years. Stephen’s and Ronn’s skills and drive will deliver real benefits to them.”
