Universal Music yesterday announced it was putting one of its own execs in charge of Virgin Records UK, the main division to be added to the mega-major in Britain following its acquisition last year of the EMI record company. As previously reported, Universal is being forced to sell much of EMI’s UK operations as part of its agreement with European regulators regards its takeover of the British major, but it is allowed to keep Virgin Records.
And it is Ted Cockle, currently co-President of Universal’s Island Records, who will lead Virgin moving forward. And look, here is Universal Music UK boss David Joseph saying just that, while noting the Virgin team’s recent pop successes, including that lady they call Emeli.
Says Joseph: “The way the Virgin team have carefully nurtured the career of Emile Sandé is extraordinary, following other recent successes with Katy Perry, Brit Award-winning Laura Marling and Swedish House Mafia. I am determined they will be rewarded with all the support and investment they need to continue this renaissance of one Britain’s landmark record labels. Ted – with his unique vision, innovation and passion – is the person to help them achieve this”.
Cockle himself added: “It has been a total pleasure to have worked with all the artists and the exceptional team at Island for the past seven years. I now hope to help with Virgin’s transition into Universal and to help the team further replicate their recent huge successes”.
Cockle’s co-President at Island, Darcus Beese, will now lead that division on his lonesome, Joseph adding: “As for Island I know the label is in the best possible hands, with Darcus providing inspirational leadership as he continues his remarkable journey at the label”.
Elsewhere in Universal news, the Chairman of EMI Australia Mark Poston has announced he is departing the company as it is consolidated with Universal’s Australian business. Poston worked for EMI for over a decade, including three years in London. He reportedly told colleagues that now seemed like a logical time to take some “time out” from his music business career.