EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING SETS NEW U.S. A&R TEAM

Rich Christina joins the pubbery as SVP Creative, based in New York and reporting to EVP of North American Creative Dan McCarroll. Previously VP of A&R at Sony/ATV Publishing, Christina has signed songwriters J.R. Rotem, Frankie Storm, RedOne, Boi 1da, Evan Bogart, Zac Maloy and Andrea Martin.

He has also worked closely with Stargate songwriter Mikkel Eriksen, now signed to a long-term deal with EMI Music Publishing alongside his songwriting partner Tor Erik Hermansen.

Leotis Clyburn, whose new signing Jared Cotter co-wrote the recent hit "Down" for Jay Sean, comes over to EMI Music Publishing from TVT Publishing as Sr. Director of Creative, working on projects for Roc Nation, based in EMI's New York offices.

Andrew Gould, who joined EMI's East Coast A&R team in Nov. 2007, has been promoted to Sr. Director of Creative, moving from N.Y. to L.A. later this month.

Commented Platt: “I really believe that there aren’t many people who could bring something extra to our North American team, but Rich Christina is definitely one of them. He’s got a great track record, he’s truly respected by songwriters and industry executives, and I’m confident he’ll be a valuable addition to our creative efforts.

“With Rich’s arrival, Leotis coming into the New York team, and Andrew moving out to L.A., I think we’ve got a great group of experienced and passionate A&R execs. The success of our songwriters is matched by the passion and commitment of the team, and I think you’re only going to see us get better and better. Hey, they don't call me Big for nothing."