Tony Wadsworth has left his role as chairman and CEO of EMI Music UK & Ireland, it was announced today (Jan. 8).
The move is described in a statement from the company as part of the “ongoing restructuring of EMI Music” under the new EMI Group chairman Guy Hands. The company was bought by Hands’ private equity firm Terra Firma in August.
In Wadsworth’s place, Roger Ames will take responsibility for A&R in the U.K. and Ireland. Ames has been head of EMI Music North America since April 2007 and will continue in this role in addition to his new responsibilities.
Mike Clasper will assume control of all other operations that previously reported to Wadsworth. Clasper was appointed to the EMI Investor Board in November to assist in the transformation of the company, including the development of EMI’s music manufacturing, logistics and sales operations around the world.
Clasper was previously the chief executive of BAA plc, the world’s leading airports group, between 2003 and 2006 and prior to that president of global homecare at Procter & Gamble.
The new appointments are with immediate effect.
Wadsworth was appointed chairman and CEO in 2002. He joined EMI in 1982, becoming Parlophone marketing director in 1987 and then managing director of the label in 1993. He was appointed EMI Records U.K. President in 1998 and had global success with artists including Robbie Williams, Coldplay and Kylie Minogue.
From 2000 to 2003, Wadsworth held the post of Brit Awards Chairman and he is currently chairman of the BPI. It is not yet clear what will happen with his BPI role.
“We would all like to thank Tony for his tremendous contribution to EMI over the years and to wish him well for the future,” said Hands in a statement.
