Mark Holland promoted to A&R boss at EMI Music Australia

It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll.

Music executive Mark Holland will lead a new-look A&R team at EMI Music Australia.

After 13 years and countless hit records, Holland moves up to general manager of A&R.

The promotion is part of a wider change to the artist and repertoire department at the Universal Music-owned label.

Heather O’Brien, who joined the major in 2011 as A&R coordinator, moves into the role of A&R manager.

Former TMN intern Helena Ho joins from Audiopaxx as the label’s new A&R assistant and talent scout.

“We are super-excited by the promotions that have just been announced to our A&R Team,” says EMI managing director John O’Donnell.

“Mark has made himself completely undeniable for the GM of A&R role.

“His A&R smarts are the best in the business, from scouting to signing and making international albums, there’s no one better in the market.

“Heather O’Brien has similarly made herself crucial to our A&R future and her promotion to A+R Manager is completely deserved.”

Holland joined EMI Music in 2006 as an A&R scout and went on to sign Troye Sivan, Meg Mac, Odette, Something for Kate and Paul Dempsey.

“I’m absolutely chuffed and honoured to take the reins of the A&R team at EMI, the label home I’ve been part of for the last 13 years,” says Holland.

“Both Heather and Helena have outstanding A&R skills and instinct and I feel a new energy throughout the building.

“Our entire domestic roster is currently in a purple patch of creating for global audiences and we’re setting up to find, discover and develop the next emerging talents.

“A massive thank you to John O’Donnell, George Ash and the entire Universal Music Executive team for taking a chance and welcoming me with this new GM position.”