He replaces the department's former director Seb Chew, who Music Week understands has left the business.

President of Polydor Ferdy Unger-Hamilton told MW: "Ben Mortimer (pictured) is a hugely talented and considered A&R person with the ability to cut through and find the artists which are important. I worked with Ben at Virgin where he discovered Jamie T. He then went on to Island where he signed Florence & The Machine.

"The appointment of Ben will consolidate Polydor's position as ...