Various Artists Management has hired former EMI exec Joe Etchells as head of A&R and Artist Development.

Based in London and L.A., Etchells will work across the company’s artist management, music publishing and label operations with artists including Ashnikko, Tom Grennan, La Roux, The Libertines and Supergrass. He reports to Various CEO David Bianchi and U.K. MD John Dawkins.

“When we were looking for A&R expertise that could traverse management, publishing and records, Joe was the obvious choice,” Bianchi said. “His recent form has been incredible, and he joins us at an exciting time to be able to continue that success.”

At EMI, where he was A&R director, Etchells oversaw top five albums over the last five years from Bastille, Blossoms, Loyle Carner, Doves and The Vamps. Prior to joining UMG, Etchells worked at BMG Publishing, Wildlife Entertainment, UMPG, Independiente and The Outside Organization.