Former Island A&R evp becomes Virgin US president

15:08 | Wednesday July 30, 2008

Stevenson will start in the new position on August 15 and will report to Gatfield, EMI Music’s new president of A&R for North America, UK & Ireland.

While at Island, Stevenson signed and developed artists that have sold 26m albums worldwide, such as Fall Out Boy, The Killers, The Bravery, Sum 41, Lady Sovereign, Saliva, Thrice.

He was also president of boutique label Stolen Transmission, his joint venture with IDJMG.

“I’ve known and worked with Rob for several years during my time at Universal and have great respect his A&R instincts, creativity and business acumen. Rob’s track record speaks for itself: he’s been responsible for the breakout success of some of the world’s most exciting, original musical artists and I will depend on him to help me transform EMI’s approach to A&R” says Gatfield.

“Rob shares my view that we must be fearless about embracing innovation and that we must work to create true partnership with artists.”

“When Nick offered me the chance to work with him again and to help reinvigorate a top music brand name like EMI, I couldn’t refuse,” adds Stevenson.

“I look forward to work with an exciting roster of established stars, and to take on an amazing opportunity to create Virgin as the most exciting place for artists to be. We’ll smash the model and break the rules and create true partnerships with creative talent.”

Meanwhile, EMI is understood to be close to naming a managing director for Virgin UK.