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Mike Smith named MD of Warner/Chappell UK
By Andy Malt | Published on Friday 6 May 2016
The UK division of Warner’s music publishing business, Warner/Chappell, has announced Mike Smith as its new Managing Director. The appointment sees him return to music publishing after a decade working over at those pesky record labels.
“Throughout his brilliant career, across both music publishing and recorded music, Mike has demonstrated his commitment to the art of songwriting, putting great songs at the heart of everything he does”, says overall Warner/Chappell CEO Jon Platt. “His inspiring leadership style, thoughtful approach to building creative careers, and unquenchable thirst for new music all make him ideally suited for Warner/Chappell”.
He continues: “Now more than ever, the British music scene is producing a THRILLING depth and diversity of world-class talent. With Mike overseeing our UK operations, we will be even more powerful as a global destination for the most distinctive, popular, and culturally significant songwriters in the world”.
Smith himself adds: “Having started my career in music publishing, it is exciting to be returning to a sector of the industry where I enjoyed so many great times. Warner/Chappell is one of the real icons of music publishing, and it is an honour and a privilege to have been asked to help guide this great company and the amazing songwriters and catalogues it represents. I’m really looking forward to working with Jon and the rest of the global team”.
Smith joins Warner/Chappell from Universal’s Virgin EMI label business, where he was President Of Music, a role he took on in 2012 while the company was still Mercury Records. His first record industry job was with Columbia Records ten years ago, but his career began as a talent scout for MCA Music Publishing, moving to EMI Music Publishing in 1992, where he eventually became Head Of A&R. His new gig means he’s know worked for all three of the major music publishers, which I think means he gets six free whisky tumblers.
