Warner Music has promoted Jim Reid to an interesting new job called SVP, Synchronization for Europe. It's interesting because Reid, who is promoted from a role in the major's publishing division Warner/Chappell, will oversee pan-European sync opportunities for both Warner's recording and publishing divisions.
This is interesting, of course, because while all four majors own both record and music publishing companies, collaborations between recording and publishing divisions are rare, even though as the record industry becomes more and more focused on licensing music rather than selling CDs it makes more and more sense for the two disciplines to work together.
Confirming his new role, Reid told CMU: "I'm delighted to be taking up this role, especially at a time when Warner Music Group is working with such a remarkable range of artists and emerging technology is generating a wealth of new licensable platforms. We are leading the way in making licensing simpler, easier and more productive for artists and rights users alike. I'm looking forward to my ongoing work with the amazing team at Warner Chappell UK and building on my existing relationships with Warner Music Group's wider synch network".
Redi will report to both Dave Johnson, CEO of Warner/Chappell, and John Reid, CEO Europe of the Warner Music Group.