14 DAY TRIAL // The person Apple had appointed as director of global music initiatives in 2003, Alex Luke, has left the Cupertino-based company to join U.K.-based EMI. Luke will serve as an executive vice president of A&R with EMI’s Capitol & Virgin Label Group. His office will be based in Los Angeles.
According to 9to5mac, Luke was one of Apple’s leading iTunes execs, as he oversaw the digital platform’s music programming, music content acquisition, and artist and industry relationships for seven years.
Now, as an executive vice president of A&R with EMI’s Capitol & Virgin Label Group, Luke will be responsible for finding and developing creative talent, the Mac-centric blog says.
Citing an official announcement from EMI, the blog reveals that Luke will be reporting to Dan McCarroll, president of Capitol & Virgin Label Group, when he takes up the position in January.
To give readers an idea of why EMI wants Apple’s corporate staffer, his major initiatives at iTunes included the development and launch of programs like the ongoing iTunes “Live From” series at Apple retail stores, iTunes Originals, and iTunes’ Single of the Week, 9to5mac reveals.
Recruiting Alex Luke is only the latest move in an ongoing effort at EMI to rebuild Capitol & Virgin’s music discovery team.
His hiring follows the October installation of Dan McCarroll to lead the label group. Just last week, Michael Howe was appointed vice president of A&R, the same report notes.
“Alex is simply one of the best music people I’ve had the privilege of working with,” McCarroll commented. “He has a great understanding of what it takes to have a hit and to sustain success, and he is able to work in partnership with artists to deliver the positive outcomes that they truly deserve.”
“I am thrilled that Alex is joining the new team that we are building here, and I can’t wait to get down to work with him and Michael Howe to find, sign and nurture the next generation of Capitol and Virgin artists,” he added.
“Capitol and Virgin are two of the most storied labels around, and I’m honored to be given this opportunity to work with and develop creative talent for the group,” said Alex Luke.
“Dan’s appointment has already had an impact on the way that the labels operate creatively, and I’m excited to have this chance to work with him and the whole team at EMI.”