Long-serving EMI Music Publishing executive "Big" Jon Platt has joined Warner/Chappell as speculated to oversee its North American A&R operations.
Platt spent 17 years at EMI Publishing, personally signing talent including Jay-Z, Kanye West, Usher, Drake, Ludacris, Mary Mary, Young Jeezy and Snoop Dogg as well as signing Beyonce and being involved in the renogotiation of deals with Pharrell Williams and Sea "Puffy" Combs. He served as North America creative president at the company, helping it to be named Billboard Publisher of the Year for the past 12 years and taking the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award for Publisher of the Year for 17 consecutive years. His departure follows the conclusion of the Sony/ATV-led consortium's $2.2bn (£1.4bn) takeover of EMI Publishing, prompting a structural reorganisation across the two previously-separate companies.
In his new role at Warner/Chappell he will be based in Los Angeles and serve as North America creative president, reporting into chairman and CEO Cameron Strang. He will be responsible for the publisher's A&R activities across North America, including in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville, and play a leading role in the company's overall strategy.
Strang said: "Jon's character, his leadership skills and his ability to identify, sign and nurture talent combine to make him one of the top executives in the music business. His unwavering commitment to songwriters and their music has led to his continued and long term success. His approach makes him a perfect fit with Warner/Chappell and an outstanding addition to our senior team. I look forward to working with him as we continue to grow Warner/Chappell and strengthen the services we provide to our songwriters and publishing partners."
Platt added: "Warner/Chappell is a creative force with an incredible heritage, a world-class roster of writers and a renewed sense of energy and purpose. Cameron and the team have already achieved great things and I am excited to begin a new chapter with them, helping drive that momentum. We share a common goal: to make Warner/Chappell the best home for today’s extraordinary talent and the songwriting stars of tomorrow.”
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