Gersh Named Chairman, Bella Figura Music
• Bella Figura Music, the music-rights company founded by former BMG UK President Alexi Cory-Smith (right), announced that veteran music executive Gary Gersh has been appointed Chairman as the company expands from the UK into the U.S. and establishes a Los Angeles presence.
Gersh (left), whose career includes leadership roles as President of Global Touring at AEG, CEO of Capitol Records, founder of The Artists Organization, and a partner at Geffen Records, will advise on global strategy and high-level partnerships, joining a senior leadership team that includes co-Founder & CIO Neelesh Prabhu, who oversees investment strategy.
Gersh remarked, “Bella Figura is building the modern gold standard for catalogue stewardship — artist-first, creatively engaged, and relentlessly focused on quality. Alexi and Neelesh have assembled a remarkable portfolio and team. I’m thrilled to help guide the company’s next chapter, where we’ll deepen partnerships, unlock new creative opportunities, and champion the songs and recordings that continue to define culture.”
Bella Figura concurrently announced a global administration agreement with Sony Music Publishing (SMP) covering the company’s publishing interests. Sony Music Publishing UK will provide worldwide administration services on behalf of Bella Figura’s songwriters and catalogs, connecting them to SMP’s global network and resources to maximize opportunities across markets. SMP will also work closely with its global sync & licensing team to place Bella Figura repertoire across film, television, video games, advertising, social platforms and brand campaigns -expanding creative support and revenue potential for the roster and songs.
Cory-Smith commented, “Gary’s track record at the very top of our business — across labels, management, and global touring — speaks for itself and his artist-centric ethos makes him the ideal partner as we expand into the U.S. And with our friends and partners at Sony Music Publishing now administering our catalog worldwide, our songs and writers have the global infrastructure and sync horsepower to realize their full potential.”
The move follows a period of rapid growth for Bella Figura, which has deployed nearly $160 million to acquire and actively manage a portfolio of iconic publishing and recording rights — including such works as “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” The Human League‘s “Don’t You Want Me,” Robbie Williams‘ “Angels,” David Gray‘s catalogue, including White Ladder, Aloe Blacc‘s “I Need A Dollar,” Hot Chocolate‘s “You Sexy Thing,” and songs written with and performed by Adele, Amy Winehouse, Kylie Minogue, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urbanand more. The catalogue also includes the iconic RAK Music Publishing repertoire.
