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Former Columbia chief joins Universal
By CMU Editorial | Published on Thursday 12 July 2012
Having departed Sony Music’s Columbia Records somewhat suddenly back in April, Mike Smith has just popped back up at Universal’s Mercury division as President Of Music. Or at least he will do in September. I always think it’s odd when execs at music companies have the word ‘music’ in their job title, was there a worry people would think he was President of the company’s flower arranging unit?
In his new role, Smith will work alongside Mercury chief Jason Iley and the former label manager of Mercury imprint Vertigo Clive Cawley, who has been promoted to the job of MD for the whole division. Elliot Taylor is also moving to Mercury, from Universal’s central sales team, to be Commercial Director, and Rachel Paley will return to the major from a stint at rival Warner as Senior Marketing Manger.
Commenting on the new recruits, Iley told CMU: “With Mike and Clive, Mercury has two incredible ambassadors. Clive has long been respected for his talent and loved for his irreverent humour. Mike is an exceptional record-maker and I’m delighted we now have him on our side – despite being one of the industry’s true gentlemen he’s proved a very tough competitor in the past. These appointments strengthen our team at one of the most exciting times in Mercury’s history”.
