BREAKING NEWS: Rob Stevenson has been named to the President of Virgin US by Nick Gatfield, EMI Music’s new President, A&R, North America, UK & Ireland.
It is a turnaround for Stevenson, who ousted as EVP of A&R at Universal’s Island Def Jam in December 2007. Rob has a track record that includes signing Fall Out Boy, The Killers, The Bravery, Sum 41, Lady Sovereign, Saliva, Thrice and President of boutique label Stolen Transmission,a defunct joint venture label imprint with IDJMG.
FROM THE PRESS RELEASE:
“I’ve known and worked with Rob for several years during my time at Universal and have great respect his A&R instincts, creativity and business acumen. Rob’s track record speaks for itself: he’s been responsible for the breakout success of some of the world’s most exciting, original musical artists and I will depend on him to help me transform EMI’s approach to A&R” said Gatfield. “Rob shares my view that we must be fearless about embracing innovation and that we must work to create true partnership with artists.”
“When Nick offered me the chance to work with him again and to help reinvigorate a top music brand name like EMI, I couldn’t refuse,” said Stevenson. “I look forward to work with an exciting roster of established stars, and to take on an amazing opportunity to create Virgin as the most exciting place for artists to be. We’ll smash the model and break the rules and create true partnerships with creative talent.”
Rob Stevenson Bio
Rob Stevenson is one of the US music industry’s most successful A&R executives, having signed and develop a range of some of the world’s most original and successful new artists, including multi-platinum and award-winning Fall Out Boy, The Killers, whose first two albums have sold more than 12 million units worldwide, Sum 41, whose albums have sold in excess of 10 million globally, The Bravery and Lady Sovreign. Prior to his role as President of Virgin US, Stevenson was EVP for A&R at Island Def Jam. He was also President of Stolen Transmission Records, his joint venture label imprint with IDJMG. Before that, he held a variety of senior A&R positions at Universal Music Group, including VP of A &R at Island from 2002 to 2006, following two years as director in the department. He joined UMG’s Mercury Records as an A&R manager in 1998. Stevenson began his career at advertising agency Ogilvy and Mather.
