MUMBAI: Rob Stevenson has been appointed to a top creative post leading EMI’s Virgin imprint in America. As president, Virgin US, Stevenson will report to EMI Music’s new President, A&R, North America, UK & Ireland Nick Gatfield and will be based in New York. He will start August 15.

Stevenson, formerly executive vice president of A&R at Universal’s Island Def Jam, brings one of the industry’s strongest track records in signing and breaking new artists as well as digital acumen to this key creative role at EMI in America.

Most recently, Stevenson was executive vice president, A&R at Universal’s Island Def Jam Music Group in the US, where he signed and developed artists that have sold 26 million albums worldwide, such as Fall Out Boy, The Killers, The Bravery, Sum 41, Lady Sovereign, Saliva, Thrice and more. During this time, he was also president of boutique label Stolen Transmission, his joint venture label imprint with IDJMG.

"I’ve known and worked with Rob for several years during my time at Universal and have great respect his A&R instincts, creativity and business acumen. Rob’s track record speaks for itself: he’s been responsible for the breakout success of some of the world’s most exciting, original musical artists and I will depend on him to help me transform EMI’s approach to A&R. Rob shares my view that we must be fearless about embracing innovation and that we must work to create true partnership with artists," said Gatfield.

"When Nick offered me the chance to work with him again and to help reinvigorate a top music brand name like EMI, I couldn’t refuse. I look forward to work with an exciting roster of established stars, and to take on an amazing opportunity to create Virgin as the most exciting place for artists to be. We’ll smash the model and break the rules and create true partnerships with creative talent," said Stevenson.