Christina Named SVP/A&R @ Warner Chappell
• Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the global publishing arm of Warner Music Group, announced that Rich Christina is joining the company as Senior Vice President of A&R. Christina was most recently SVP and Head of East Coast A&R at Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
“Rich and I have known each other for nearly 30 years, and I’m thrilled to reunite with him in his new post at WCM,” said Warner Chappell Co-Chair & CEO Guy Moot. “His track record as both an established record exec and a publisher has been one of the most exceptional and consistent in the industry. He’s been a creative force behind countless hit songwriters, artists, and producers, driven by great ears, instinct, and taste. As we continue to transform the Warner Chappell culture, we’re all thrilled to welcome him on board.”
Christina will be based in New York and report to Ryan Press, WCM’s President of A&R, U.S., who said, “Rich is one of the most well-respected A&R execs in the business, with strong relationships throughout the songwriter community. Major artists and developing talent alike have relied on him to help guide and grow their careers, and we look forward to having him join our growing A&R team.” Christina commented, “This is a fantastic time to be joining Warner Chappell. Guy, Carianne and Ryan are spearheading a dynamic approach to publishing that is hugely inspiring. They’ve made some outstanding signings in the last few months, and set a clear direction for the company. I’m beyond excited to join them on the journey and help nurture an environment where the focus is on songwriters and their art.”
Christina began his career in 1991 at Atlantic Records as Mix Show Coordinator, working with Big Beat label founder (and current Atlantic Chairman & CEO) Craig Kallman, and managing Atlantic’s dance music department. He moved into A&R after bringing Robin S‘s No. 1 record, “Show Me Love,” to the company. After 12 years at Atlantic, Christina joined Sony/ATV in 2004 as Sr. Director and later, VP of A&R. In 2009, he moved to EMI Music Publishing as SVP of Creative, returning to Sony/ATV three years later when the latter acquired EMI.
More recently Christina has worked with a number of prominent songwriters and artists including Charli XCX, Normani and Shaed. He also helped develop such smash singles as “God’s Plan” by Drake, “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo, “Señorita” by Camilla Cabello & Shawn Mendes, “No Guidance” by Chris Brown featuring Drake, “Trampoline” by Shaed, and many more. [Photo credit: Angie Lambert]
