Bella Figura Music has signed a global administration agreement with Sony Music Publishing.
Under the partnership, Sony Music Publishing UK will provide worldwide administration services on behalf of Bella Figura’s songwriters and catalogues, connecting them to SMP’s global network and resources.
To maximise opportunities across markets, Sony Music Publishing will work closely with its global sync & licensing team to place Bella Figura repertoire across film, television, video games, advertising, social platforms and brand campaigns.
David Ventura, president & co-managing director, UK, SVP international A&R, Sony Music Publishing, said: “We are fortunate to be in business with Bella Figura, and we all feel very excited to have been selected by Alexi to represent globally a truly unique catalogue with only exceptional songwriters and songs. This is a key collaboration for us after an important period of discussions as it embodies the level of state-of-the-art services that we offer here at SMP. We are all looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead as our partnership grows.”
It has also been announced that veteran music executive Gary Gersh has been appointed Bella Figura chairman, as the company expands from the UK into the United States and establishes a Los Angeles presence.
The move follows a period of growth for Bella Figura which has deployed nearly $160 million to acquire and actively manage a portfolio of publishing and recording right, including works such as I Love Rock ’n’ Roll, The Human League’s Don’t You Want Me, Robbie Williams’ Angels, David Gray’s recordings catalogue, Aloe Blacc’s I Need A Dollar, Hot Chocolate’s You Sexy Thing, and songs written with and performed by Adele, Amy Winehouse, Kylie Minogue, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban and more.
The catalogue also includes the RAK Music Publishing repertoire.
This is a key collaboration for us after an important period of discussions as it embodies the level of state-of-the-art services that we offer here at SMP
David Ventura
Gersh’s leadership roles include president of global touring at AEG, CEO of Capitol Records, founder of The Artists Organisation, and a partner at Geffen Records. He will advise on global strategy and high-level partnerships.
Gersh joins a senior leadership team at Bella Figura that includes co-founder and CIO Neelesh Prabhu, who oversees investment strategy.
Alexi Cory-Smith (pictured), CEO & Founder, Bella Figura Music, said: “Gary’s track record at the very top of our business – across labels, management and global touring – speaks for itself and his artist-centric ethos makes him the ideal partner as we expand into the US. And with our friends and partners at Sony Music Publishing now administering our catalogue worldwide, our songs and writers have the global infrastructure and sync horsepower to realise their full potential.”
Gary Gersh, chairman, Bella Figura Music, said: “Bella Figura is building the modern gold standard for catalogue stewardship – artist-first, creatively engaged, and relentlessly focused on quality. Alexi and Neelesh have assembled a remarkable portfolio and team. I’m thrilled to help guide the company’s next chapter, where we’ll deepen partnerships, unlock new creative opportunities, and champion the songs and recordings that continue to define culture.”
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