Briony Turner and Ed Howard have been promoted to Co-Presidents of Atlantic Records UK, effective from January 1.
Turner, who joined Atlantic in 2009, is upped from Co-Head of A&R for the label, while Howard is currently MD of Asylum Records UK, the Atlantic UK imprint that he joined upon its inception 12 years ago.
Together, Howard and Turner will assume responsibility for the full Atlantic Records UK portfolio, overseeing campaigns for its roster of UK, US, and international artists including Anne-Marie, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Charli XCX, Clean Bandit, Ed Sheeran, Jess Glynne, Lizzo, Paolo Nutini, Rita Ora, Rudimental and Stormzy.
(Ed Howard is the subject of an in-depth interview in the latest edition of MBW’s Music Business UK magazine – our exclusive Q&A will be made available online soon.)
“Briony and Ed are carrying on that tradition with enormous success, time and time again showing that they can spot truly original talent and develop global superstars.”
Tony Harlow, incoming Chairman & CEO of Warner Music UK, said: “From its inception in the States over seven decades ago, to the creation of the first stand-alone Atlantic Records UK company in 2004, the label has been guided by A&R-driven, independent-spirited leaders.
“Briony and Ed are carrying on that tradition with enormous success, time and time again showing that they can spot truly original talent and develop global superstars. Their artists break the mould, transcend boundaries, and drive the conversation. They are brilliantly suited to take this culture-shifting label into the future.”
Turner’s signings at the label have included Grammy -winning electronic pop collective, Clean Bandit, and Jess Glynne, who holds the record for the most No.1s by a British female solo artist ever.
“Atlantic has been my home for ten years this month, and I couldn’t be more excited to be embarking on this next phase with Ed and the team.”
Briony Turner, Atlantic Records UK
Howard has been instrumental in the development of artists such as Ed Sheeran, Rudimental, Charli XCX, and Anne-Marie. (Significantly, within that MBUK interview, Ed Sheeran manager Stuart Camp says that Howard has been “the calm and knowledgeable big brother” to Sheeran since the exec met the artist… “and always will be”.)
Just named the UK’s Official Number 1 Artist of the Decade, Sheeran’s numerous accolades include four BRITs, four Grammys, four Ivor Novellos, six MTV Awards, and four Q Awards.
“I’m so proud to begin this chapter with Briony, Tony, and the incredible Atlantic team.”
Ed Howard, Atlantic Records UK
Ed Howard said: “Since relaunching Asylum 12 years ago, our aim has been to match the creativity, passion and drive of the unique artists with whom we’re privileged to work. We’ve sparked collaboration and opportunity across our creative community, with an ambition to move the world.
“That philosophy extends to the entire Atlantic roster, team and culture. And, I know it will form the foundation of my partnership with Briony. I’m so proud to begin this chapter with her, Tony, and the incredible Atlantic team, as we nurture generation-defining talent from the UK and across the globe.”
Briony Turner commented: “Atlantic has been my home for ten years this month, and I couldn’t be more excited to be embarking on this next phase with Ed and the team.
“Giving artists the care, guidance and support they need to create their best music is what we strive to do every day at Atlantic UK. This artist-first philosophy is at the heart of what Ed and I believe in, and I know that together, we’ll keep pushing Atlantic forward, breaking new ground as we go.
“I’d like to thank our outstanding Atlantic team for their continued support, and join Ed in welcoming Tony into the Warner Music UK family.”
Turner came to Atlantic from Global Talent Publishing, where she was instrumental in signing Ellie Goulding, Al Shux, LMFAO, and others. She began her career at 19 Entertainment, working closely with Pop Idol winner Will Young.
Howard joined Asylum in 2007 from Sony/ATV.Music Business Worldwide
