After several previous attempts to try to lure him over, Universal has finally secured the services of one of the UK's most successful record executives, with his recent successes including JLS, Olly Murs and Paloma Faith.

It is understood Raphael, who was made MD of Epic in March 2007 when the company was resurrected as a standalone operation, handed in his resignation to Sony last Tuesday. However, he is still working at Sony at present and it is believed his ...