Mumbai: EMI Music has appointed Ernesto Schmitt as president of its catalogue business, reporting to EMI Music chief executive Elio Leoni-Sceti. He will join EMI next month.

Schmitt, 38, has a strong track record in media, retail and technology convergence, including experience in the music business. He joins EMI from DSG International, Europe’s second largest consumer electronics retailer which operates the Dixons, Currys and PC World stores. He was group development director at DSG, responsible for redesigning its international marketing and advertising model, building new customer channels and growing profitability.

Schmitt succeeds Stephen, a Terra Firma managing director who has led the catalogue division as its interim president since March.  

Leoni-Sceti said: "I would like to thank Alexander for his invaluable contribution to EMI’s catalogue business over the past months and wish him every success as he returns to Terra Firma.” He added "Schmitt is a growth manager, with a passion for music, who likes to build business and use technology to improve the consumer experience. He has a background in both the music and retail sectors, and has built his own internet business from scratch. With his proven leadership skills, he will be a key player in our mission to help our artists strengthen their relationship with fans and build innovative new models and channels."

Schmitt said: "I am really excited about re-joining the music business and particularly EMI with its excellent new team. So much has changed and developed in the industry over the past six years. We now have a favorable wind behind us and can realize all the new possibilities for artists and fans."