Universal Music UK have today announced that its EMI and Capitol labels are uniting under the joint leadership of Rebecca Allen and Jo Charrington, effective immediately.

As part of the move, Capitol Records UK’s award-winning roster and team become part of the wider EMI family, reuniting two historic labels whose partnership goes back almost 70 years. This will give Capitol’s artists access to EMI’s industry-leading teams and expertise in what is gearing up to be a busy year for both labels.

In her nine years at Capitol, Charrington – who became sole president of the label earlier this year - has overseen the success of global star and multi award-winning Sam Smith as well as working with exciting emerging talent including Aitch, Mae Muller and Zoe Wees all of whom are working on new music for 2022. Her outstanding career in A&R has seen her sign and/or A&R 30 platinum or multi-platinum albums while seeing artists she’s worked with collect countless awards including Oscars, Grammys, Golden Globes and BRITs, while also being named Businesswoman of the Year at Music Week’s Women In Music Awards.

This week’s move pairs Charrington with another Music Week Businesswoman of the Year in Rebecca Allen, with the duo looking forward to building on a successful 12 months for EMI which saw number one albums from Bastille, Elton John, Kanye West, Taylor Swift and The Killers.

David Joseph, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music UK says, “This is a game changing moment for EMI. Becky and Jo make an exceptional team with a united vision for what a modern record label should be. Becky’s leadership together with Jo’s unrivalled A&R track record sets up what promises to be an exciting new era for EMI and their artists”.

Jo Charrington, Co-President of EMI says, “I’m honoured to be joining Becky, and the outstanding EMI team at what is an incredibly exciting time for the label. It really does feel like the stars have aligned for us both. For a label steeped in history and culture, our ambition and vision is simple. We want to develop and nurture the very best talent from across the world. Talent whose artistry will no doubt write the next chapter of EMI’s legacy as the UK’s most celebrated record label”.

Rebecca Allen, Co-President of EMI says, “I’m delighted to begin this journey with Jo and to welcome the brilliant Capitol team to EMI. Jo is someone who I have always admired and respected, both as a friend and as an outstanding executive. We’ve built a fantastic relationship over the years and we will be running a label that is both innovative and forward thinking with our artists and their music always at the heart”.

After starting her career at London Records, Charrington spent five years in artist management before moving into A&R, a change which led her to Universal Music in 2011 as vice-president of A&R, initially for London Records then Capitol Records when it was launched as a UK label in 2013. Throughout her career she has had wide-ranging success with artists including 5SOS, Paloma Faith, Scouting For Girls, JLS, Liam Payne, Imogen Heap, Lemar, Aloe Blacc and Olly Murs as well as Sam Smith.

Capitol Records UK will continue as a division of EMI label group, alongside Motown UK.