SONY REVIVES EPIC IN THE U.K.

Epic Records has been relaunched in the U.K. with publishing exec Sarah Lockhart as president.

The imprint had lain dormant for six years. Sony U.K. is restarting it as a frontline label. The announcement coincides with Epic's 70th anniversary.

Formerly head of A&R at Sony Music Publishing, Lockhart will report to Jason Iley, chairman and CEO of Sony Music U.K. & Ireland, beginning 5/1.

“I’m confident that Sarah is the right person to relaunch Epic U.K. and enrich its legacy while protecting its artist-first ethos,” Iley said. "Throughout her career, Sarah has challenged the norm, pre-empted trends and supported artists from the very beginning of their careers.”

Lockhart served as SMP head of A&R for three years, signing the BRIT Award-winning Aitch, PinkPantheress and D Block Europe. Before that, she co-founded East London community radio station Rinse FM, championing emerging acts in the early stages of their careers.

Lockhart also spent four years at EMI Music Publishing, where she discovered Ms. Dynamite, Skepta and Skream & Benga.