Ted Cockle named President of Virgin Records UK
Island co-president Ted Cockle has been named as the new president of Virgin Records UK. Virgin is now a Universal-owned label, following the major’s acquisition of EMI Music for £1.2bn last year. Cockle’s fellow Island co-president Darcus Beese will now step up to become sole president of Island Records UK. Both moves are effective immediately.
Popular exec Cockle joined Island in 2005 in a marketing capacity after 10 years at Sony Music.
Cockle and Beese were appointed co-presidents of Island UK in 2008 and have since enjoyed huge success with artists such as Jessie J, Amy Winehouse, Florence & The Machine, Mumford & Sons and Keane.
The label’s acts have picked up a total of 15 nominations for the BRIT Awards 2013.
Meanwhile, Virgin released last year’s biggest-selling album in the UK, Emeli Sande’s Our Version Of Events. The LP was the only million-selling album of 2012.
Cockle will report to David Joseph in his new role.
Joseph said: “The way the Virgin team have carefully nurtured the career of Emile Sandé is extraordinary, following other recent successes with Katy Perry, Brit Award-winning Laura Marling and Swedish House Mafia. I am determined they will be rewarded with all the support and investment they need to continue this renaissance of one Britain’s landmark record labels. Ted – with his unique vision, innovation and passion – is the person to help them achieve this.
“As for Island I know the label is in the best possible hands, with Darcus providing inspirational leadership as he continues his remarkable journey at the label.”
Cockle said: “It has been a total pleasure to have worked with all the artists and the exceptional team at Island for the past seven years. I now hope to help with Virgin’s transition into Universal and to help the team further replicate their recent huge successes.”
Source: Music Week
