Are Big Changes Afoot At EMI US?
Hits is reporting that new EMI owner Guy Hands is in the US meeting with current head Roger Ames. According to unnamed insiders, Hands is close to putting together a provocative new North American team that includes People Magazine publisher Paul Caine, Clear Channel Communications NY Programming SVP Tom Poleman and pop producer/songwriter Billy Mann.
Hits believes that this means Ames is on the way out. But our sources wonder if this isn’t more like the executive advisory council that Hands set up in the UK. That move did coincide with the exit of several top executives. There is no comment yet from Ames, Jason Flomm or EMI.
COMMENTARY – Assuming these rumors bear fruit, Hands should be applauded for bold thinking. But we wish we saw more names on his lists from inside music – perhaps a bold indie executive or two or an innovator from the music’s growing tech sector.
Roger Ames remains at EMI in full force. There are also music executives like Caryn Tomlinson and Edna Abad of Artist Relations, which have met with the new owners and have been effectively integrating them with the Artists, Managers and Executives worldwide.