Changing of the Guard: Fresh leadership for two major publishers

The last few days have marked the official changing of the guard at two of the world’s major music publishers.

Guy Moot yesterday became CEO of Warner/Chappell Music, and also co-chairman alongside chief operating officer Carianne Marshall.

Both are based out of Warner Music Group’s swanky new headquarters in downtown Los Angeles and will report to WMG CEO Steve Cooper.

Moot signed an impressive array of major songwriters, including Amy Winehouse, Sia, Lana Del Rey, Mark Ronson, Arctic Monkeys, Jamiroquai, Arcade Fire, Deadmau5 and Paul Epworth.

“It’s a time of exciting change and fresh creativity at Warner/Chappell,” said Cooper.

“We’re very fortunate to have two such inspiring execs with complementary talents – Guy’s A&R vision and global operational strength, combined with Carianne’s entrepreneurial expertise and world-class creative instincts.”

Moot expanded, “At a time of unprecedented possibility for songwriters, our mission is to provide the environment in which genuine talent can achieve its full, global potential.

“That requires real creative expertise, along with an original, fearless, and principled approach to our business.”

Moot, former Sony/ATV’s president of worldwide creative, takes over from Jon Platt, who left at the end of last year to replace Sony/ATV chairman/CEO Martin Bandier after three years at the W/C top job.

Bandier’s took both EMI Music Publishing and Sony/ATV up the ranks to top performers.

His deal-making at Sony/ATV in the past 12 years has been legendary and highly lucrative, most notably of those with Michael Jackson and his estate.

Speculation is that he will either start his own company or become a consultant with smaller publishers to help them grow their market share.

He’s keeping his options close to his chest, but told Music Week that he’s not retiring and that “music will be a part of whatever I do.

“I’ve been in music all my life, I’m not going to become a dentist!”