Mumbai: EMI has appointed San-e Ichii as president and CEO of EMI Music Japan as of 1 October. He will report to EMI Music president Asia Pacific/Latin America Adrian Cheesley.

Ichii, who has held senior positions in a number of major global corporations, joins EMI from Warner Music Japan where he was most recently its senior managing director and chief financial officer.

Cheesley said: "I am delighted to welcome Ichii as the new leader of EMI Music’s Japanese business. His experience, passion and leadership skills will be invaluable to EMI Music’s development and success in the major music market of Japan."

Ichii said: "EMI is an established and attractive brand with a rich history of developing great artists and recordings both from Japan and from all over the world. At this moment of great global change in the music industry, the company remains committed to its goal of bringing music to as many consumers as possible in all the ways they want. I am honoured to be leading the EMI Music Japan team and I look forward to working with the wonderful artists, managers and employees associated with this great company."

EMI also announced today that Masato Adachi will return to EMI Music Japan as director and chief financial officer, effective 1 October. Adachi, who will report in his new role to Ichii, joins EMI from Nike Japan where he was most recently CFO.

Ichii said, "Adachi’s great experience and knowledge as a senior player in the entertainment industry will be invaluable for our business and for the artists we serve."