Dipesh Parmar has been appointed President of Columbia Records UK, effective immediately. He will continue to report directly to Jason Iley, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland.
Amy Wheatley has been appointed Managing Director of Columbia Records UK, reporting to Parmar.
Today’s announcement represents a reshuffle at Sony Music UK: Columbia Records UK’s former President, Ferdy Unger-Hamilton, and its former MD, Manish Arora, both exited the label last month.
(Unger-Hamilton continues to run his successful UK-based independent publishing company, Promised Land Music. According to Companies House filings seen by MBW, Promised Land acquired Black Butter’s music publishing company in the summer.)
Parmar and Wheatley both join Columbia Records UK from Sony Music-owned Ministry Of Sound, where Parmar was previously President and Wheatley was previously MD.
Sony Music acquired the London-based Ministry Of Sound label for approximately GBP £67 million in 2016.
Following the new changes, Ministry Of Sound becomes a subsidiary of Columbia Records UK.
Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland, said: “Dipesh and Amy are two of the most talented, respected, and well-liked executives in the business. Dipesh is a true A&R man who immerses himself in music and continually drives artists to achieve success. Amy is passionate and ambitious and has played an integral role in the evolution of Ministry of Sound.
“They both think differently and are committed to cultivating a vibrant and talented team of executives and an incredible roster of artists. I am inspired by what they have achieved at Ministry of Sound, and I am confident that they will drive Columbia into the future.”
Parmar, who has won multiple of MBW’s A&R Awards in the UK for his work in the Electronic/Dance genre, said: “To be appointed President of one of the world’s most iconic labels is truly humbling, an absolute honour and one the proudest moments of my career.
“I would like to thank Jason Iley and Rob Stringer for this opportunity and for their support. I would also like to congratulate Amy, with whom I’m hugely excited to build on the label’s culture and success. I’m very much looking forward to working with the greatly experienced and talented teams and to continue the legacy of Columbia Records.”
Amy Wheatley, Managing Director of Columbia Records UK, says: “What an incredible opportunity to contribute to one of the greatest labels in world. I am excited to get started and collaborate with the legendary artists, amazing managers and the brilliant team who power Columbia Records.
“Leading this iconic label alongside Dipesh is monumental, and I want to thank Jason and Rob for putting their trust in us.”
Under Parmar and Wheatley’s leadership, Ministry Of Sound has achieved multi-platinum hits with artists including Riton, Oliver Heldens, Paul Woolford, Ewan McVicar and Majestic.
Other successful domestic artists on Ministry’s roster include Regard, London Grammar and Sigala, while Ministry has also worked with artists signed to Sony Music labels outside the UK including Doja Cat, Tate McRae and Lil Durk.
Prior to joining Ministry Of Sound at Sony in 2017, Amy Wheatley was Marketing Manager at Columbia Records UK, leading campaigns on projects for artists such as Calvin Harris, MK, and Tyler the Creator.Music Business Worldwide