It has been announced that the EMI and Capitol labels are uniting under the joint leadership of co-presidents Rebecca Allen and Jo Charrington.
The new arrangement will see Capitol Records UK’s roster and team become part of the EMI family. Capitol Records UK will now be a division of EMI label group, alongside Motown UK, giving Capitol’s artists access to EMI’s teams and expertise in what is gearing up to be a busy year for both labels.
“This is a game-changing moment for EMI,” said David Joseph, chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK.
“Becky and Jo make an exceptional team with a united vision for what a modern record label should be. Becky’s leadership together with Jo’s unrivalled A&R track record sets up what promises to be an exciting new era for EMI and their artists.”
The move will deliver a market share boost to EMI, as it aims to reclaim its place as the UK’s No.1 record company.
Capitol was launched for the first time in the UK as a standalone label in 2013, following UMG’s acquisition of the EMI corporate group the previous year.
Charrington has been at Capitol for nine years and during that time has overseen the success of Sam Smith as well as working with the label’s emerging talent.
After starting her career at London Records, Charrington spent five years in artist management before moving into A&R, moving to Universal Music in 2011 as vice-president of A&R, initially for London Records and then Capitol Records when it was launched as a UK label in 2013.
“I’m honoured to be joining Becky, and the outstanding EMI team at what is an incredibly exciting time for the label,” said Charrington.
“It really does feel like the stars have aligned for us both. For a label steeped in history and culture, our ambition and vision is simple. We want to develop and nurture the very best talent from across the world. Talent whose artistry will no doubt write the next chapter of EMI’s legacy as the UK’s most celebrated record label.”
“I’m delighted to begin this journey with Jo and to welcome the brilliant Capitol team to EMI,” added Allen.
“Jo is someone who I have always admired and respected, both as a friend and as an outstanding executive. We’ve built a fantastic relationship over the years and we will be running a label that is both innovative and forward thinking with our artists and their music always at the heart.”