Kate Shepherd (pictured) has been hired as MD, Entertainment Programming, Warner Music UK.
In the newly created role, Shepherd will oversee the development of IP and documentary features, original series, branded content, and more.
Shepherd’s new post also includes operational management of The Firepit, Warner Music UK’s in-house creative and production company, which has been run by Chris Bovill and John Allison since 2017.
The duo, who brought Shepherd into Warner, have made the decision to leave the business to write scripted entertainment.
During their tenure at Warner, Bovill and Allison have developed a number of premium formats and IP for major global platforms, launched a performance music channel, created branded content, and oversaw a number of features, including the forthcoming Liam Gallagher documentary, As It Was.
Shepherd is based in London and will report to Peter Breeden, COO, Warner Music UK and Mel Fox, Chief Transformation Officer.
In addition to working with Warner Music’s UK artists and labels, she will collaborate closely with WMG-owned UPROXX, the youth culture platform run by Benjamin Blank and Jarret Myer, (which was acquired by WMG last year), as well as Charlie Cohen, former COO of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, who was appointed President of TV & Film for WMG in 2017.
Shepherd joins Warner Music from Ridley Scott Entertainment Group, where she was Head of Entertainment.
Previously, she occupied the same position at Sunshine Studios in Los Angeles. There, she acted as Senior Development Executive at Endemol Shine America, known for shows such as Masterchef, Masterchef Junior, The Bridge, Hunted, Gracepoint, and The Island, working with the likes of Netflix, Amazon, NBC, FOX, ABC, and AMC.
She also worked at Fullscreen Media, where she was integral to delivering content for the launch of the service, managing content strategy and execution for brands including Budweiser, AT&T, Unilever, and Microsoft.
This followed a stint as Head of TV for XIX Entertainment, working on hit shows American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, and with talent such as J-Lo, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, The Spice Girls, The Beckhams, Lewis Hamilton, and Andy Murray.
“We’re living in a visual culture, and Kate’s boundless enthusiasm, musical sensibility, and business savvy make her the perfect person to take our creative mission to the next level.”
Peter Breeden, Warner Music UK
“Artists and songs have amazing stories to tell and to inspire, and we’re bringing those stories to life through compelling, immersive visual experiences,” said Breeden.
“We’re living in a visual culture, and Kate’s boundless enthusiasm, musical sensibility, and business savvy make her the perfect person to take our creative mission to the next level.”
He added: “Over the past couple of years, Chris and John have built up our in-house expertise and capabilities, and they’ve been tremendous champions for the power of content and creativity across our business.
“They’ll no doubt remain a part of Warner’s extended family of great talent, and we wish them nothing but the best as they approach this next chapter.”
“I’m looking forward to working across every possible format and platform to open up new opportunities for Warner’s incredible talent and its culture-shifting music.”
Kate Shepherd
Shepherd said: “I’m impressed by Warner’s commitment to putting content at the centre of their artist development philosophy.
“To connect artists with their fans in the most complete and impactful way, we need to engage eyeballs as well as ears.
“I’m looking forward to working across every possible format and platform to open up new opportunities for Warner’s incredible talent and its culture-shifting music.”
“We’re proud to have established a dynamic new entertainment studio within such an iconic company.”
The Firepit
In a joint statement, outgoing Firepit bosses Bovill and Allison said: “We’re proud to have established a dynamic new entertainment studio within such an iconic company.
“However, when you spend time working with some of the world’s most creative artists you get inspired to be a bit rock & roll yourself. So, we’re leaving to pursue a lifelong goal.
“Having had the privilege of working in advertising, broadcast, branding, content, production, and now music and long form content, we can see that it really is a brave new world out there for creative people if you’re willing to get out of your lanes.
“So, we’re doing just that. We’re off to finally bring all of our skills together and leap into the world of scripted entertainment. It’s been a wild ride in the music industry, and we thank everyone at Warner and wish Kate all the best.”
Music Business Worldwide
