Virgin Music Group has appointed PIAS veteran Adrian Pope to the position of executive vice president, digital business and global partner relations at the company.
In this newly created role, Pope will be a key liaison between Virgin Music Group, its global client base, key digital partners and the independent music industry. He is based in Virgin Music Group’s London offices.
It follows Virgin Music’s acquisition of PIAS/Integral – read our interview with PIAS CEO Kenny Gates about how the indie giant will become part of the global Virgin and UMG set-up.
Pope most recently served as chief digital officer for PIAS and managing director of its label distribution and services business Integral. During his lengthy tenure there, in addition to PIAS-owned repertoire, he worked alongside leading independent labels including ATO, Domino, Epitaph, Heavenly, Mute, Ninja Tune, Partisan, Transgressive and Warp and with such artists as Arlo Parks, Cigarettes After Sex, Editors, London Symphony Orchestra, Moby, Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds and many others.
Adrian played a significant part in building PIAS and Integral into a world class organisation serving the independent music sector
JT Myers
“Adrian played a significant part in building PIAS and Integral into a world class organisation serving the independent music sector,” said JT Myers, co-CEO of Virgin Music Group. “We know his relationships and expertise will be important in our continued growth and success around the world and are grateful to have him play a key role on Virgin’s global leadership team.”
Prior to serving for more than two decades at PIAS, Pope was a pioneer in the development of the digital music business, with roles at Music Week in the ’90s, specialist digital consultancy Understanding & Solutions and as head of digital at Independiente, the independent label behind Travis, Paul Weller, and others. Pope will continue to steward the integration of the Integral business into the wider Virgin Music Group operation.
“I’m thrilled to work alongside PIAS in my new role with Virgin as we expand on our mission to build the services that empower independent entrepreneurs all over the world,” said Pope. “Working with JT, Nat and the global Virgin Music Group team is a fantastic opportunity to help grow a genuinely special and much needed service.”
PHOTO: Carsten Windhorst
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