Several senior label types pointed out when EMI chief Guy Hands first announced his dramatic restructuring plans at the start of the year that, actually, widespread downsizing and major roster culls were are not unusual at major record companies, especially after a change in ownership. But it has to be said I don't remember a major label rejig with quite so many senior level casualties as this one. Another top player at EMI has gone, and this time it's one I actually expected to stay. Jean-Francois Cecillon, President and A&R chief of EMI International (so, most things outside US and UK) will leave the major at the end of this week, apparently by "amicable agreement".
Cecillon's duties will be taken over by two existing senior EMIers. Billy Mann, the major's Chief Creative Officer, will take over the non-UK/US A&R remit as well as his current job, while David Kassler, currently President of EMI Music UK and Ireland, will swap jobs to take over as operational chief for mainland Europe, Afria and the Middle East. Ashley Unwin, currently filling in as acting A&R chief for the UK and US, will take over Kassler's EMI Music UK job once incoming A&R head for UK and US, former Island UK man Nick Gatfield, finally arrives. Mann and Gatfield are expected to work closely together on A&R projects.
Unlike some of the other recent senior exec departures from EMI, which have been quietly confirmed by the major, Hands did make the effort to thank Cecillon when the company confirmed his departure. Saying the International chief had made "many contributions to EMI", he said: "[Cecillon] has consistently delivered on financial targets for his region. He has also nurtured great talent - both artistic and executive - and led a strong and united team over the past four and a half years".
Cecillon originally worked for EMI in the mid-nineties, when he was CEO of EMI Records UK, and during which time he oversaw the signing of a certain Robbie Williams to the major's Chrysalis imprint. After leaving the job in 1998 he took on a top job at Sega, later working for marketing firm Music Matrix, before returning to EMI in 2004.
Confirming his departure on Friday, Cecillon said in a statement: "Now the shape of the new organisation is complete, the time is right for me to step back. I leave a lot of great friends in EMI and in its extended family of wonderful artists, and I encourage them to make the most of what I believe will be a new phase of opportunity for everyone associated with this great company". It's thought Cecillon may stay on as a consultant for the major.