Christie is promoted from Head of A&R at the label, a role he has held since 2014 when he switched from Warner/Chappell, where he signed the likes of London Grammar, Ben Howard, Tom Odell and Royal Blood.
The news represents the first time that Warner Bros UK will have standalone leadership since 2008.
Miles Leonard, who has occupied the dual role of Chairman for both Parlophone and Warner Bros. Records UK for almost three years, will now solely focus on the Parlophone label, whose recent successes include Coldplay’s A Head Full Of Dreams.
“Phil is a really inspiring executive who, throughout his career, has signed some of the UK’s most original acts.”
Max Lousada, Warner Music UK
Under Leonard’s leadership, Warner Bros. Records UK has released hit records from artists including Muse, Foals, Enya and Royal Blood – who Leonard signed to the label – as well as this year’s smash, Lukas Graham’s ‘7 Years.’
Acts Christie has signed to Warner Bros. Records UK so far include developing artists Dua Lipa and Rationale.
Max Lousada said, “It has always been our goal to build a family of distinctive, independently-minded frontline labels with their own unique cultures and creative identities, so I’m delighted that Warner Bros. and Parlophone will each return to having sole leadership.”
He added: “Miles has done a tremendous job of rejuvenating Warner Bros. Records UK, reaffirming its reputation as a destination for aspiring stars. Not only has his support for new talent helped some brilliant new UK artists to flourish on the label, by spotting Phil’s potential and bringing him in, Miles has been instrumental in setting the direction for the future of Warner Bros. Records here in the UK.
“It takes real skill to deliver strong results today at the same time as transforming for tomorrow so I’d like to express my sincere thanks to Miles and I look forward to all that he’ll achieve as he directs that vision fully behind Parlophone.
“Phil is a really inspiring executive who, throughout his career, has signed some of the UK’s most original acts and who has the energy, ideas and instincts to write the next chapter in the Warner Bros. Records story.
“By combining a fresh perspective with a deep respect for real artistry, he embodies the dynamic new era we’re shaping for one of music’s truly legendary labels while remaining true to the values and the spirit that has seen it produce so many groundbreaking acts. I want to congratulate Phil and wish him and the whole Warner Bros. Records team every success.”
“It’s hugely exciting to be back 100% with my amazing team at parlophone.”
Miles Leonard, Parlophone Records
Miles Leonard said, “The transition of Warner Bros. Records has been a great experience and I thank the whole team for their unfaltering support over the last three years. I’m pleased Warner Bros. is now in a great place and with Phil they’ll continue to push the label forward.”
“It’s hugely exciting to be back 100% with my amazing team at Parlophone, who have continued to have enormous success and shown that the label is always at the forefront of cutting edge new music.
“Parlophone, including FFRR which has been very successful in the last couple of years since its transition to the label, has one of the most envied rosters in the business and a legacy second to none. We have unwavering determination and drive to discover and break new artists as well as nurturing our future executive talent.”
Phil Christie said, “It’s an honour to lead this iconic label and its incredible roster into a new era. The Warner Bros. team is extremely impressive and together I believe we can continue to redefine the label as a place where world-class artists come to make their mark. I would like to thank Max for this fantastic opportunity and Miles for his leadership and guidance over the last two years.”
The global Warner Bros roster includes acts such as Muse, Enya, Prince, Linkin Park, Michael Bublé, Jason Derulo, Green Day, Biffy Clyro, Foals and Royal Blood.Music Business Worldwide
