Rani Hancock To Helm Relaunched Sire Records
Legendary rock label Sire Records is being reborn during its 50th anniversary year. Respected A&R executive Rani Hancock will become Sire's president, and helm the label for Warner Music Group.
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Respected A&R executive Rani Hancock has been named President of a relaunched Sire Records based in New York City. Her appointment makes her one of only a handful of female top executives in the recording industry.
Seymour Stein, who co-founded Sire Records with Richard Gottehrer in 1967, will continue as label Chairman.
Over the course of her two-decade career, Hancock has signed or worked with superstars such as Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Pitbull, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato. In the last seven years, Hancock has been closely involved with six No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 singles, 15 Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 singles and three No. 1 Billboard albums. In 2015, she became EVP, Head of A&R for Island Records. While at Island, she worked with Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas, as well as signing up-and-coming talent, such as Skip Marley and Olivia O’Brien.
Max Lousada, who becomes CEO, Recorded Music, WMG on October 1st, said, “Whether it’s artists or executives, we’re focused on attracting and developing true talent who will pioneer the future of music. Rani is the perfect example of our approach, as her own rare qualities will, in turn, draw original, genre-defying artists to Sire. Seymour built the label into a home for many of the world's most influential artists, and I believe Rani will help us reignite Sire as a beacon for the bravest and biggest stars. She's a first-class addition to our leadership, not only in the U.S., but on the global stage."
Rani Hancock said, “I’ve always been inspired by Sire's roster of artists and the label’s fearless, independent spirit. So many great Sire artists have pushed the boundaries of music and fashion, while having pop hits that appeal to a mainstream audience, from Madonna to the Ramones, from Talking Heads to the Pretenders. I hope to continue that tradition of finding and supporting culture-changing artists who make hugely popular music that withstands the test of time. I'm very thankful to be setting out on that mission with amazing support from Max, Cameron and Seymour. It’s such an exciting time to be joining WMG, especially with Max’s vision for evolving the concept of a modern, artist-centric music company.”
Seymour Stein said, "This year has been marked by special anniversaries for me and for Sire Records. We are celebrating Sire's 50th anniversary, our 40th with Warner Music, and my 60th year in the music business. It has been my dream to be joined by someone I can work together with to help strengthen and expand the label. Given Rani's exceptional track record and tremendous enthusiasm, I am convinced she is the person to build both the Sire roster and brand, and help take the company into the future."
