Mumbai: EMI Music has appointed Billy Mann and David Kassler to the key international roles of president A&R Labels (international), and president Europe, Middle East and Africa respectively. They succeed Jean-Francois Cecillon who steps down from his executive roles at the end of next week.

Mann, who has been EMI Music’s chief creative officer since the beginning of this year, is appointed to the additional role of president, A&R Labels – international, assuming direct responsibility for artist development in all countries outside North America and the UK.

Mann will work closely with Nick Gatfield who will join EMI Music as president, A&R Labels – North America and UK, on 15 July.

Kassler becomes president – Europe/Middle East/Africa with regional responsibility for business and financial delivery.

In addition, at EMI Music France where Cecillon was president and CEO, Nathalie Collin becomes chairman, reporting to Kassler.

EMI executive chairman Guy Hands said, "With Nick leading our A&R offensive in North America and the UK, complemented by Billy in the rest of the world, we have two strong, artist-driven talents in place who will help steer EMI into a new phase of creativity working in true partnership with artists."