Virgin EMI, the UK’s biggest record label by market share, has bolstered its team with the appointment of Jordan Jay as senior A&R manager.
The move marks a return to Universal Music for Jay, who worked at Geffen and Polydor/Fascination between 2006-2012.
During this time he was instrumental in over 40 global hits, four UK No.1s and the success of, amongst others, Girls Aloud, The Saturdays and The Wanted.
In 2012 Jay left to form Karma Artists Management, looking after a stable of songwriters and producers including Red Triangle (James Arthur, 5 Seconds of Summer, Charlie Puth), Tre Jean-Marie (Craig David, Kaytranda, MNEK) and Sam Preston (Olly Murs, John Newman, The Vamps).
“Jordan enjoyed great success with Universal during his first spell here and since then he has enhanced his reputation as a great pop A&R through Karma Artists, blending writers, producers and artists into a consistently winning formula. We’re excited about the music he will bring to the label.”
Nick Burgess, Virgin/EMI
He has also acted as a consultant, including on the last four series of The X Factor for Syco Entertainment, and has worked with Virgin EMI on their British pop band The Vamps, A&R-ing their Top 10 album Wake Up and new single All Night, which is their highest-streaming track to date.
Jay will continue to run Karma Artists Management in conjunction with his new role, in which he will report to Virgin EMI’s SVP of A&R Nick Burgess.
Burgess says: “Jordan enjoyed great success with Universal during his first spell here and since then he has enhanced his reputation as a great pop A&R through Karma Artists, blending writers, producers and artists into a consistently winning formula. We’re excited about the music he will bring to the label.”
Jay added: “I’ve worked closely with Virgin EMI over the last few years so I already know what a great team I’m joining.
“I’m now looking forward to discovering more amazing new artists and bringing together the best possible combination of talents to create great music and big hits.”Music Business Worldwide