Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Ed Howard and
Briony Turner are
Ben Cook's successors at
Atlantic Records U.K., becoming co-Presidents of the
Warner label in January. Turner, who joined Atlantic in 2009, is upped from Co-Head of A&R, while Howard is currently MD of
Asylum Records U.K.
Together, the duo will assume responsibility for the full Atlantic Records U.K. portfolio, overseeing the creative and strategic direction of the company as well as the implementation of campaigns for its roster of U.K., U.S., and international artists. They replace Ben Cook who exited abruptly in October.
Tony Harlow, incoming Chairman & CEO of Warner Music U.K., said, “From its inception in the States over seven decades ago, to the creation of the first stand-alone Atlantic Records U.K. company in 2004, the label has been guided by A&R-driven, independent-spirited leaders.
"Briony and Ed are carrying on that tradition with enormous success, time and time again showing that they can spot truly original talent and develop global superstars. Their artists break the mold, transcend boundaries, and drive the conversation. They are brilliantly suited to take this culture-shifting label into the future.”
Turner, who was named co-President of A&R alongside
Alec Boateng at the beginning of last year, has gained a reputation as a trailblazing A&R executive through signings such as
Grammy Award-winning electronic pop collective
Clean Bandit, and
Jess Glynne, who holds the record for the most #1s by a British female solo artist ever.
She said of her new role: "This artist-first philosophy is at the heart of what Ed and I believe in, and I know that together, we’ll keep pushing Atlantic forward, breaking new ground as we go.”
Howard, who joined Asylum upon its inception 12 years ago, has been instrumental in the development of
Ed Sheeran, who he signed in 2010, as well as
Rudimental,
Charli XCX, and
Anne-Marie.
"We’ve sparked collaboration and opportunity across our creative community, with an ambition to move the world,” he said. “That philosophy extends to the entire Atlantic roster, team and culture. And, I know it will form the foundation of my partnership with Briony.”
Turner came to Atlantic from
Global Talent Publishing, where she was instrumental in signing
Ellie Goulding,
Al Shux,
LMFAO, and others. Her career began at
19 Entertainment, working closely with
Pop Idol winner
Will Young. Howard joined Asylum in 2007 from
Sony/ATV.