Outsider to head up EMI

Jul 8 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

AN industry outsider has been named as the new boss of private equity-owned EMI’s recorded music division.

Elio Leoni-Sceti, formerly head of Europe at household goods giant Reckitt Benckiser, is the new chief executive of EMI Music.

The 42-year-old has worked at Reckitt – whose products include Dettol, Nurofen and Finish dishwasher powder – for the past 16 years. He has never worked in the record industry.

EMI’s famous label’s artist roster includes best-selling acts such as Coldplay, Kylie Minogue and Lily Allen.

After the firm was taken over by private equity firm Terra Firma last year, new boss Guy Hands promised a revolutionary overhaul of the business to meet the challenges of the digital age. Around 2,000 jobs were also shed as part of the takeover.

Mr Hands, who will step back as EMI’s interim executive chairman to become non-executive chairman, said Italian-born Mr Leoni-Sceti would lead the most exciting business transformation in the music industry.

“His career achievements and outstanding leadership qualities are ideally suited to ensuring EMI is a successful business,” Mr Hands added.

Mr Leoni-Sceti said: “This is a hugely exciting time for the music business and for EMI. The potential that can be realised in this industry is massive; music consumption is growing more than ever across the world.”