Virgin Media names first head of music

11:32 | Monday April 6, 2009

Wheeler, who spent two years at Orange UK, joins Virgin Media in the new role today.

The role has been created to develop Virgin Media’s music strategy and new consumer services across mobile, TV and online.

In his role at Orange UK, Wheeler worked with product and marketing teams and negotiated contracts with music providers, record labels, artists, film studios and distributors to develop services across all formats.

Virgin Media director of broadband Jon James says, “It’s a time of great change and opportunity in the music business and Virgin Media is uniquely well-placed to bring innovative new services to consumers.

“Virgin Media has a strong brand heritage in music and coupled with Richard’s wealth of experience and in-depth understanding of the needs of artists, labels and consumers, we’ll continue to build our presence in music.”

Before joining Orange UK, Wheeler spent five years at Sanctuary Music Group, where he was appointed vice president of digital business development. He began his career at Jive Records as an A&R assistant.