Photo: WENN
Universal Music has announced the launch of Virgin EMI, which is a combination of Mercury Records and Virgin Records.
Despite Universal buying EMI last year, the EMI name will not be lost as Virgin EMI will incorporate the executive staff and artists of Mercury Records. Virgin and EMI will each have their own A&R and marketing departments.
Universal Music UK chairman & CEO David Joseph said, "Virgin EMI... has an exceptionally strong A&R line-up, with sensational domestic and international artists, combined with the ethos which has served the company so well over the past 40 years."
Ted Cockle, a co-president of Island Def Jam Music Group, will head Virgin EMI. Cockle said, "Having filled the top two positions on the albums chart this month [Emile Sande and Bastille] for the first time since the Spice Girls and The Verve did it in 1998, Virgin is already feeling ready to compete at the very highest level.
"In the label's 40th year, to have this incredible line-up of British artists and US repertoire of such pedigree it feels like Virgin EMI will have everything in place to help the very best talent flourish full."
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However, Mercury Records' managing director Jason Iley is leaving. He said in a statement, "I’ve had an incredible journey at Universal, having worked at Polydor, Island and Mercury, and been privileged to work with some inspiring artists and executives over the past 15 years. I look forward to continuing these relationships in a new capacity and wish Ted all the very best with Virgin EMI."
Universal Music is also planning on owning a fifth label, which would be Capitol Records.
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