Island Records Creates Head of A&R Position, Hires Marihuzka Cornelius

Marihuzka Cornelius has taken on the newly created role of head of A&R at Island Records Australia.

Cornelius joins from Ivy League Records, where she was A&R director, signing artists including current Rolling Stone AU/NZ cover stars The Teskey Brothers and Mia Wray.

In her new role, she will report to Island Australia managing director, Nicole Richards, and be charged with managing a roster of assigned artists, bringing in new signings of her own, and the day-to-day management of the Island A&R team.

Richards said: “Marihuzka’s passion for making great music, coupled with her incredible track record of signings and success has earned her a formidable reputation, and I’m thrilled to welcome her to the team at Island Australia.”

Island Records Australia is part of the Universal Music Group. It has artists including Peach PRC, Hilltop Hoods and Tame Impala.

Sean Warner, president and CEO of Universal Music Australia and New Zealand, said he’s proud to lead UMA through this new era.

“Nicole Richards’ promotion to managing director of Island Australia saw her become UMA’s first female MD and subsequently Marihuzka Cornelius’ appointment marks the company’s first female head of A&R. Both executives are entrepreneurial, have proven track records in identifying, developing, and breaking artists and together with one of the industry’s most experienced teams, are primed to lead Island Australia artists to great success globally,” he said.