Kentish Named Pres., Warner Records UK
• Warner Music UK (WMUK) announced that Joe Kentish has been promoted to President, Warner Records UK, effective June 1. He will succeed Phil Christie, who has chosen to leave the label later this year after five years in the role. Kentish has been with WMUK since 2014, during which time he’s discovered and signed such artists as Dua Lipa and Griff, and has overseen an expansion of the label’s roster, including the signing of Mist, Nines and Pa Salieu.
In his new position, Kentish will be responsible for overseeing the creative and strategic direction of the label, as well as the development and campaigns for its world-class roster of artists, including domestic acts Biffy Clyro, Dua Lipa, Foals, Ghetts, Liam Gallagher, Mist, Muse, Nines and Royal Blood, as well as up and coming acts Griff, JC Stewart and Pa Salieu, and all incoming international acts and releases from a revitalized Warner Records US.
Kentish will report to Tony Harlow, CEO of Warner Music UK, said, “Joe truly is one of the most talented and instinctively brilliant execs out there, and his track record speaks for itself. Not only is he an incredibly talented A&R, but he’s someone with a comprehensive understanding of what great artist development takes. He can spot distinctive British talent in its infancy and nurture it into a successful career that resonates in the UK and on the global stage; his unique creative relationship with Dua is a testament to that. I couldn’t be more pleased to see him take the reins of Warner Records and to watch him continue to do what he does best; create great music and bring out the best in people.”
Kentish started his music industry career as one of the founders of UK Garage label Middle Row Records. He then worked as an A&R scout for two years at EMI before moving to Mercury Records (later Virgin/EMI), where he signed and A&R’d The Vamps, Just Jack and Pixie Lott before joining Warner Records UK as Sr. A&R Manager in 2014. “Warner Records is home to an electrifying array of established and developing creative talent, and I couldn’t be prouder to take the role at this particular time in its history,” Kentish said. “In an increasingly competitive environment, we have strived to keep true artist development at the heart of what we do whilst fully embracing the newest opportunities to introduce those artists to the world. Delivering brilliant music in remarkable ways is what this label is about, and I’m passionate about continuing that work with the wonderful mix of artists and managers we work with. I want to thank Tony for this opportunity and Phil for his ongoing support and guidance; we’ve had an unbelievable journey together; I feel very lucky to have worked with such an incredible boss and true friend.” [Photo credit: Billal Taright]
