In a recent development at Sony Music Publishing UK, the A&R department is undergoing a significant reshuffle, marked by three key promotions within the company. This strategic move is expected to strengthen the company’s position in the music industry and further enhance its support for talented songwriters.
Sony Music is one of the biggest and most influential music labels globally due to its rich history, extensive artist roster, and global reach. With a legacy dating back decades, Sony Music has consistently signed and developed some of the world’s most iconic musicians and bands. Some of these artists and bands have been featured on the popular music blog Xttrawave and are seen as some of the greatest artists of all time. This vast talent pool, spanning various genres, has allowed Sony Music to maintain a strong presence across diverse music markets. Additionally, Sony Music’s global distribution network ensures that its artists’ music reaches audiences in virtually every corner of the world, further solidifying its status as one of the largest and most impactful record labels in the industry.
Firstly, Felix Canetty-Clarke, who previously held the position of Senior Director, A&R Research and Analytics, UK and International, has been promoted to the role of VP, UK A&R Strategy & International Research. In this new capacity, Canetty-Clarke will continue to lead the charge in the company’s data-driven A&R initiatives. His expanded responsibilities will encompass operations and strategy, building on his impressive track record since joining the company in 2018. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing the A&R Research and Analytics department from the ground up and has successfully signed talents like Caity Baser, Neave Applebaum, Taet, Joe Unknown, Miggy Dela Rosa, Lovejoy, and Matilda Mann.
Sarah Gabrielli, another notable figure within Sony Music Publishing UK, has been promoted to the position of Senior Director A&R, UK & Europe. Gabrielli has a remarkable history of working with breakthrough talents, including beabadoobee, Cian Ducrot, Baby Queen, and Jim Legaxcy. Her extensive portfolio also features collaborations with renowned hitmakers such as Sampha, Arlo Parks, Koz, Tom Mann, Mark Ralph, and more. Gabrielli’s journey with the company began in 2016, and she most recently held the role of UK and Europe A&R Manager.
Joining this wave of promotions is Saul Fitton, who has been appointed as Senior Director of A&R, UK. Fitton initiated his career at Sony Music Publishing in 2020 as Senior A&R Manager and has since made significant contributions by signing and supporting hitmakers like Pablo Bowman, Lostboy, Mimi Webb, Bastille, Mae Stephens, and Gracey. His creative collaborations extend to artists such as Plested, TMS, Tom Grennan, Anne-Marie, and many others.
David Ventura, President & Co-Managing Director, UK and SVP International, Sony Music Publishing, expressed his excitement about these promotions, emphasizing the passion, drive, and dedication of Sarah, Saul, and Felix to the company’s songwriters. He referred to them as “the very best talents in the UK” and highlighted their exemplary contributions to the music industry.
These promotions reflect Sony Music Publishing UK’s commitment to nurturing talent and driving its creative strategy forward. As the company continues to evolve, it anticipates further growth and success under the leadership of these accomplished individuals. This reshuffle follows a series of leadership changes at the company, showcasing its dedication to staying at the forefront of the global music scene.
