MUMBAI: Scott Francis has been appointed to the newly created position of Warner/Chappell Music president and Warner/Chappell Music US chairman and CEO.
The announcement was made by Warner/Chappell Music chairman and CEO David H. Johnson.
Francis, a veteran music publishing executive who previously served as president of BMG Music Publishing’s BMG Songs North America division, will run Warner Music Group Corp.’s US music publishing operations as well as play a key role in Warner/Chappell’s global strategy. Francis will report to Johnson and will be based in Warner/Chappell’s U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles.
During Francis’ tenure at BMG Songs North America, the division had songwriters including Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera, Nelly, Daughtry, The All-American Rejects, Yellowcard, Chingy, Keyshia Cole, Sara Evans, Chad Hugo and The Matrix, among others.
Johnson said, "With Scott running our U.S. operations and helping define our global objectives, I feel we’ve now assembled an outstanding worldwide executive team at Warner/Chappell. Scott brings a track record of creative excellence, managerial success and deal-making acumen that will be of enormous benefit to our organization. I’m thrilled to welcome him aboard and look forward to collaborating with him as we strive to make Warner/Chappell the most progressive and artist-centered music publisher in the industry."
Warner Music Group chairman and CEO Edgar Bronfman, Jr. said, "In looking for a head of Warner/Chappell’s U.S. operations, we wanted an executive who not only has a deep understanding of songwriters and music publishing, but one who also has a vision of how to position a music publishing company to seize the opportunities presented by the industry’s rapid digital transformation. I’m confident Scott is that executive and that he will have much to contribute to both Warner/Chappell and the entire Warner Music Group family."
Francis said, "Joining a company with Warner/Chappell’s storied past, amazing current roster and boundless potential is truly an honor. I’m excited to work alongside Dave and his experienced team, and particularly delighted to work with the wonderfully talented songwriters that represent Warner/Chappell’s roster today. More than ever, music publishers are ideally-situated to enable and foster artist development, and as such, I’m committed to making Warner/Chappell the first-choice for songwriters, and in doing so, being a powerful resource for our record label partners. Warner/Chappell’s library of standards and hit songs is exceptional, and I look forward to creating and seizing opportunities to bring these works to new audiences through an array of traditional and emerging platforms."
Francis served as president of BMG Songs North America from 2000 to 2007. Prior to joining BMG, from 1994 to 2000, Francis served as vice president, business affairs and administration for Sony/ATV Music Publishing where he oversaw all aspects of business and legal affairs for the company’s U.S. operations.
