Gatfield returns to the biz
Given that Simon Cowell’s ventures have accounted for 40% of Sony Music UK’s profits in recent years, it’s not hard to see the hand of the TV mogul behind today’s surprise shake-up in the company’s top management.
Nick Gatfield, the former Island records boss who was briefly hired and then spat out by Guy Hands’ EMI, is to become President Of Music, Sony Music UK.
Gatfield will take on the leadership of Sony Music’s frontline labels in the UK, such as Columbia, and the MDs of those companies will now report to him. He will take up his role on May 2nd.
Gatfield, a former member of Dexys Midnight Runners, with an affinity with the needs of artists, will report to Ged Doherty, Chairman & CEO Sony Music UK & Ireland.
So Gatfield will be responsible for overseeing continued UK success for US stars including Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Kings Of Leon and Michael Jackson’s legacy, plus a British roster that includes Kasabian, Glasvegas, Magnetic Man and the “saviours of indie rock”, The Vaccines.
And the artists that have already and will continue to be produced by Simon Cowell’s juggernaut TV talent shows – Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Alexandra Burke and er, Matt Cardle? Maybe not so much.
Beehive understands that the reason for the shake-up has a lot to do with Cowell calling on Doherty to devote all his creative endeavours to managing his Syco music and television production business.
Doherty put together the deal between Sony and Cowell that will created a new long-term global venture to focus on the production and exploitation of music, television, film and digital content.
That venture, involving Sir Philip Green, will own all of the existing Syco television and music assets, which include the new US version of “The X Factor”, the “Got Talent” franchise, as well as artists such as Lewis, Susan Boyle and Il Divo.
With Cowell concentrating on the US X Factor and relations with ITV tricky – the broadcaster turned down Cowell’s new Saturday night Top of the Pops-style format - Syco needs someone who can help broaden its TV porftolio and manage the long-term careers of artists, now including credible non talent-show stars, like dance producer Labrinth.
Gatfield meanwhile is claming credit for signing breakthrough artists Tinie Tempah and Eliza Doolittle during his spell as EMI Music’s President of New Music for North America, the UK and Ireland which ran from July 2008 to September 2010.
Having worked with artists including Amy Winehouse and Taio Cruz at Universal, Gatfield will strengthen Sony’s management structure and encourage new talent to sign with the Sony labels when faced with a bidding war headed by the market leader, Universal. Breaking more artists overseas remains a priority at a time when British artists like Cruz and Mumford & Sons are making an international splash.
Gatfield says: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with Ged and the music team to further establish Sony UK as the natural destination for the best artists in the market and become the leading exporter of UK talent around the world.”
Even if Sony don’t sweep tomorrow’s Brit Awards, expected to be dominated by Take That and Tinie Tempah, at least the corporate shake-up will be the talk of the industry dining tables.
I have always admired Simon Cowell…he has become very greedy the more money that is thrown at him!!! he wants the money but wants other people to fill in his shoes…ie…audtion part of BGT and maybe X-Factor…why is it taking soooo long to set up US X-factor…keeping everyone on tenderhooks…he takes the money but doesn’t put in the work…his name will become mud!!!!
Maybe IL DIVO will become more of a household name if the reigns are held by another person…SYCO is a crap record company…they don’t do any favours to their artistes…IL DIVO have the worst PR…it is just as well Take That and Spice Girls didn’t sign with SYCO…
As for Sir Phillip Green…tax evader…would’t give him my piggy bank!!!!!!!!!!
‘Matt Cardle… not so much?’ And the careful, well judged thought behind that is…? You’re really giving the man a chance arent you? I mean you could actually wait to see what kind of music he’ll produce…
But nah… that’d show some journalistic integrity and its SO much easier to judge on blind prejudice especially when it makes you feel so COOL. I meanhow could you resist striking that oh so hard, NME-wannabe pose? Pathetic.