Andrew Howell is being promoted to become Vice President of Sync at Warner Chappell Music UK (WCM UK) from 1st June. In his new role, Howell will continue to report to Rich Robinson, EVP and Global Head of Sync, WCM, and Shani Gonzales, Managing Director of WCM UK and Head of International A&R at WCM.
Howell joined the WCM UK team in 2016, after A career at Universal Music Group and Sony/ATV, and has been instrumental in its Sync department winning multiple awards.
His team have built strong relationships with clients, which have helped deliver multiple placements with gaming giants including EA and Space Ape; land successful campaigns with brands such as Lexus, Persil and Cruzacampo; and contribute many works to key film and TV projects, such as One Day, The Crown, Saltburn, Back To Black.
The team works on interesting ways to connect brands with up and coming writers. One example was the special Joy Anonymous (Henry Counsell) showcase they curated for mobile network EE, ultimately leading to the creation of bespoke music for its campaign.
Howell’s team also run monthly Sync Writing sessions in Warner Chappell’s London studios, inviting A handful of writers and briefing them on what makes A good sync track, while maintaining the authenticity of great songwriting.
Howell has A great track record in placing songs from the publisher’s vast catalogue in opportunities that will help connect them with A new generation of fans. Recent standout wins include working with WCM France to create A Dua Lipa cover of George Michael’s ‘Freedom ‘90’ for Yves Saint Laurent; securing A cover version of ‘It’s A Hard Knock Life’ from the musical Annie in Dove’s 2024 Super Bowl spot; and working with David Bowie’s estate to place multiple songs in global Paco Rabanne campaigns.
Andrew Howell says: “It’s A privilege to champion our songwriters and I’m committed to placing their music in interesting, fresh ways. And it helps to work with such A talented, creative and dedicated team! I’m excited to collaborate even more closely with colleagues around the world as we continue to evolve Warner Chappells’ global sync offering.”
Shani Gonzales adds: “Andrew’s collaborative spirit has helped him build relationships with the songwriters and clients who place their trust in him. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of our songbook and an unrivalled instinct as to what placements will work. He’s also an amazing mentor to his team, so this is A very well-deserved promotion.”
Rich Robinson concludes: “Andrew embodies Warner Chappell’s proactive approach to sync, with A forward thinking mindset that sees his ideas prevail in an often saturated space. He is respected across the industry by peers and clients alike and I’m so pleased that he’s agreed to step up and take this new role.”
