Smith, who will arrive at Warner/Chappell in November, is a key addition to Jon Platt’s new-look transatlantic team.
Since Platt became the publisher’s CEO in November 2015, he has brought in Paul Kahn as CFO, promoted Katie Vinten and Ryan Press to Co-Heads of A&R in the US (excluding Nashville) and named Chuck Gamble as VP, Catalog Promotions.
Smith’s hire will be regarded as a particularly impressive coup.
“Throughout his brilliant career, Mike has put great songs at the heart of everything he does.”
Jon Platt, Warner/Chappell
Having proven his A&R prowess across almost three decades, Smith’s career has seen him sign the likes of Blur, Arctic Monkeys, Mark Ronson, Calvin Harris, The Chemical Brothers, Arcade Fire, The Libertines, Gorillaz and Madeon.
The move takes Smith back to the world of music publishing, following a decade working at major record companies.
Jon Platt said: “Throughout his brilliant career, across both music publishing and recorded music, Mike has demonstrated his commitment to the art of songwriting, putting great songs at the heart of everything he does.
“His inspiring leadership style, thoughtful approach to building creative careers, and unquenchable thirst for new music, all make him ideally suited for Warner/Chappell.”
He added: “Now more than ever, the British music scene is producing a thrilling depth and diversity of world-class talent.
“With Mike overseeing our U.K. operations, we will be even more powerful as a global destination for the most distinctive, popular and culturally significant songwriters in the world.”
“Warner/Chappell is one of the real icons of music publishing and it is an honour and a privilege to have been asked to help guide this great company.”
Mike Smith
Mike Smith said: “Having started my career in music publishing, it is a real thrill to be returning to a sector of the industry where I enjoyed so many great times.
“Warner/ Chappell is one of the real icons of music publishing and it is an honour and a privilege to have been asked to help guide this great company and the amazing songwriters and catalogues it represents.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Jon and the rest of the global team.”
Smith began his career as a talent scout for MCA Music Publishing in 1988, where he signed artists including Blur.
In 1992 he began a 14-year stint at EMI Music Publishing, where he signed acts such as Elastica, Supergrass, Doves, The Beta Band, Gorillaz, The White Stripes, The Libertines, The Scissor Sisters, Arcade Fire, and Arctic Monkeys, as well as progressing to the position of Head of A&R.
He also worked with artists such as Robbie Williams, PJ Harvey, The Verve and Beth Orton.
In 2006, Smith was appointed as Managing Director of Columbia Records UK.
There he signed artists including Mark Ronson, Calvin Harris, Glasvegas, Band of Horses, Gossip, Katy B, Madeon, MGMT, Ryan Adams, Miike Snow, The Civil Wars, and The Vaccines.
He became President of Music at Mercury Records in 2012, overseeing the signing of The Strypes, Duke Dumont, Iggy Azalea, Slaves and The Vamps.
He then became President of Virgin EMI when the label was formed the following year, going on to sign The Chemical Brothers, The Libertines and Squeeze.Music Business Worldwide
