Warner Records UK today announced that Sukhraj Johal has joined the label as General Manager. At the same time, it was announced that Jennifer Ivory has been promoted to Senior Vice President. Both Johal and Ivory report into the label’s President, Phil Christie.
Johal, who was previously General Manager at Syco Music and, before that, Head of Marketing at PMR Records, will focus on the company’s domestic roster, including Dua Lipa. Griff, JC Stewart, L Devine, Mist and Nines.
Ivory, who joined Warner Music UK in 2009, will oversee the marketing and creative guidance of the label’s strong stable of rock and alternative artists, including recent BRIT winners Foals, Biffy Clyro, Liam Gallagher, Muse, and Royal Blood. She will also be responsible for all incoming international acts and releases from a revitalized Warner Records US, under the leadership of Aaron Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson.
Phil Christie said: “Sukhraj brings a fresh and dynamic approach to breaking and developing new and established talent. Her progressive outlook and wide-ranging industry experience mean she’s ideally placed to help deliver our agenda for change, and I’m delighted to welcome her to the Warner Records team.
“Jen has played a pivotal role in the success of our label over the last decade. She’s guided our team as they’ve delivered campaigns that have got people talking and broken some of Britain’s most exciting artists. She’s one of the most respected execs in the industry and a cornerstone of our label, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to propel our US repertoire and drive our business forward drive in the years ahead.”
Sukhraj Johal noted: “Warner Records is committed to artist development and pushing the cultural dial with the most exciting talent and music. It’s an honour to join Phil, and the incredible team of artists, managers, and executives at the label. Together, we’ll deliver brilliant music, mount dynamic campaigns, and break the best artists.”
Jen Ivory added: “Warner Records has the best alternative roster in the land, and I’m particularly delighted to focus on both developing artists and global superstars to redefine what the genre means to youth and mainstream culture in the streaming age. In addition, I look forward to working more closely with our fantastic colleagues at Warner Records US to champion the growth of their multi-genre artists, including NLE Choppa, Omar Apollo, Ali Gatie, and Sub Urban.”
Johal began her music industry career in 2006 as a Marketing Manager at Island Records, where she led campaigns for artists such as Taio Cruz, Tinchy Stryder, and Sugababes. Moving to Polydor as Senior Marketing Manager, she looked after acts including Cheryl Cole, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and The Saturdays. In 2014, Johal was named Head of Marketing at PMR Records, where she managed the label’s brand identity and digital strategy, while driving campaigns for Jamie Woon, Jessie Ware, and Disclosure.
In 2017, Johal was named General Manager of Syco Music, where her roster included Camila Cabello, James Arthur, Little Mix, Louis Tomlinson, and LSD. She was responsible for branding, marketing, creative, digital, promotions, sales, and commercial partnerships, while managing relationships with artists, managers, and Sony Music.
Coming on board at Warner Music UK eleven years ago, Ivory quickly become a highly valued member of the marketing team. In 2014, she was made VP, Marketing for Warner Bros. Records UK. While GM, Ivory spearheaded ground-breaking marketing, digital, and creative campaigns in support of artists such as Dua Lipa, Royal Blood, Liam Gallagher, Foals, and many others. Previously, she worked at Sanctuary Group for eight years, where she helped start the frontline record label and held the position of VP, Marketing.
The label also announced today that Sebastian Simone is being promoted to Director of Audience with immediate effect. Simone joined the company as a Marketing Assistant in 2012 and has since worked his way up to his most recent position of Head of Digital. He has played a pivotal role in the number one campaigns from Dua Lipa, Foals, Liam Gallagher and Royal Blood.
Alex Burford, Head of Marketing, is leaving the company later this month. Christie added: “I would like to thank Alex for his commitment over the last ten years at the label. He leaves on a high, having delivered a fantastic Dua Lipa campaign. We wish him all the best.”
Warner Records UK is enjoying a successful start to 2020. Dua Lipa’s second album, Future Nostalgia, has been a hit around the world, cementing her to superstar status. She is currently Spotify’s most streamed female artist, and the third most streamed artist in the world.
