European independent music publishing firm Strictly Confidential, a sister company of European record label and distribution company Pias, has announced it is opening a London office, alongside Pias' UK operations.
The new office will be run by Jo Hillier, who previously worked with Wall Of Sound, now Pias' main UK record company, where he established the We Love You imprint and worked with the likes of The Bees and I Am Kloot. He subsequently moved to the UK offices of Source and then into its parent label Virgin, before leaving last year to concentrate on his management work - of bands like Fryars, Shakes and The Bees. He will continue to work in his own right as an artist manager as well as heading up the UK division of Strictly Confidential, which represents the international publishing interests of bands like Soulwax, Jon Spencer, Junior Jack, Little Barrie, Laurent Garnier, Goose and Nada Surf.
Confirming the new office, Strictly Confidential MD Piet Bekaert told CMU: "We are looking to become the leading pan-European music publisher, a real alternative to major publishers; and moving into the UK with a London office is the next logical step for us. We look forward to Jo bringing his substantial experience to bear in placing Strictly Confidential firmly on the UK map".
Hiller himself added: "It's a challenging role which I'm looking forward to getting my teeth into. Key priorities include expanding the domestic roster and increasing the UK exploitation of the ever-growing international Strictly Confidential catalogue".