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This article first appeared on Billboard.com.
Warner/Chappell Music has named veteran publishing executive Jon Platt as its new president, North America, it has been announced. Platt will report directly to Warner/Chappel Music chairman/CEO Cameron Strang and will continue to be based in Los Angeles. Platt served previously as WCM’s president of creative, North America.
The appointment of Jon Platt to Warner/Chappell Music president of North America gives the Warner Music Group two fixes with one move.
First off, the appointment acknowledges the strong leadership role Platt has played at Warner/Chappell since coming aboard in September 2012. One of the hallmarks of the Len Blavatnik era has been its stated ambition of bringing in talented executives and then recognizing their contributions; and this promotion reinforces that goal.
Secondly, the appointment further frees up Warner/Chappell chairman/CEO Cameron Strang in his quest to rebuild Warner Bros. Records, which has seen its market share erode since the company relieved Tom Whalley of command of the label in September 2010. Besides Warner/Chappel and Warner Bros. Records, Strang also has responsibilities for Rhino Records.
Platt has a sterling reputation among artists and songwriters and has gained the respect of other Warner Music Group executives, who within months of Platt’s arrival there had already assessed him as a force to be reckoned with beyond his A&R capabilities.
According to the WMG announcement about’s Platt’s promotion, the executive has helped strengthen Warner/Chappell’s A&R activities through the appointment of Ben Vaughn as EVP, Warner/Chappell Nashville and Jake Ottman, as SVP, A&R, based in New York. Signings during that time include Jay Z, Beyoncé, Slash, Dave Mustaine, Mike WiLL Made It, Liz Rose, Lee Miller, Aloe Blacc and the Roc Nation’s publishing roster.
STORY: BMG in $150 Million Deal for Music Publishing Assets of U.S. Indie Primary Wave
Prior to joining Warner/Chappell in September, 2012, Platt spent 17 years at EMI, signing artists such as Jay Z, Kanye West, Usher, Drake, and many more, rising to the post of president of creative, North America for EMI Music Publishing before that company’s absorption by Universal Music Group.
“Jon is a once-in-a-generation executive, and a terrific leader, with a deep understanding of the artistic process. Over the past year, the incredible talents Jon has signed, along with his own strength of character and the superb team he has fostered, have contributed much to our reputation for creative excellence and our culture of dedicated service,” said Cameron Strang in a statement.
“It is thrilling to be partnered with Cameron in leading a company that is supporting and nurturing so many amazing songwriters,” said Platt.
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