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Sony UK appoints new international overseer
By Chris Cooke | Published on Friday 15 February 2013
Mark Collen, the former EMI exec who has been advising Sony Music since last summer on the global marketing of pop powerhouse One Direction, has been appointed as VP International Operations within the major’s UK division, reporting in to Sony Music UK CEO Nick Gatfield.
In his new role, where he basically takes over from a departing VP International Dave Shack, Collen will “redefine and develop” Sony Music UK’s international unit “as the company looks to build on recent global successes from UK artists”.
Confirming the appointment, Gatfield told CMU: “Our key strategic initiative is to sign and develop the best new artists and break them globally and it is essential that we have a proactive, tenacious and ambitious international team to spearhead this challenge and deliver best-in-class service to our artists”.
Noting recent international successes with British signings One Direction, Olly Murs and Paloma Faith, and optimism regards the global potential of the likes of Tom Odell, Laura Mvula, Kodaline and Peace, Garfield continued: “Mark is the ideal executive to continue and build on this success. He played a pivotal role in driving the global One Direction phenomenon and his all round knowledge of the international market place is second to none. I firmly believe Mark has the experience and tenacity to drive our international breakthrough strategy and deliver success for the UK business worldwide. It is with great pleasure I welcome him to the role”.
Collen himself added: “It’s a privilege to be asked to lead the international strategy for the next generation of Sony UK’s artists – we have an exciting and diverse roster that we feel can reach audiences and fans on a global basis. It’s essential we provide the very best international organisation to meet the demands and needs of our artists, managers and partners worldwide and that’s exactly what we intend to do”.
