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Warner Music has today announced that John Kelleher is appointed Head of Warner Classic & Jazz (WCJ). In the newly created position, Kelleher will oversee the label’s day-to-day operations, giving it unified leadership and fresh strategic direction. Effective immediately, he reports to Simon Robson, CFO, Warner Music UK.

Kelleher’s responsibilities will include the re-invigoration of WCJ’s enviable audio and video catalogue, which includes the iconic Erato, Teldec and NVC Arts imprints, and boasts some of the biggest stars in classical, jazz and world music such as Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, Daniel Barenboim, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Working with UK partners and affiliates around the world, he’ll maximise physical revenue, expand WCJ’s digital partnerships and product range, and build trusted artist and label destinations, such as www.warnerclassicsandjazz.com. Furthermore, John will look for truly remarkable talent and new opportunities, such as Joanna MacGregor who released her new album ‘Live in Buenos Aires’ on Warner Classics last week.

Kelleher will have five direct reports. Stefan Bown continues as General Manager focusing on ‘Classics’, Florence Halfon manages ‘Jazz & World’, Matt Stoddart heads up Sales & Marketing, Martin Ross leads Digital projects and Shelagh Hughes looks after DVD releases.

Simon Robson said “We’re delighted to have an executive with John’s passion, experience and commercial acumen at the helm of WCJ. With a team that is nimble, innovative and deeply knowledgeable about these genres, an exciting future lies ahead. We are strongly placed to offer new ways for fans to discover, own and enjoy content from the label’s stunning spectrum of artists, whether they are house-hold names or newly discovered stars of tomorrow.”

John Kelleher said “I am thrilled to be working again with Warner Classics and Jazz. I believe we have the team, the artists and the vision to succeed in these rapidly changing times.”

Kelleher has been a consultant to Warner Music for the last nine years, advising across a variety of classical and catalogue projects. Prior to that, he was Head of NVC Arts, an audio-visual classical label within Warner Music International. Before joining Warner Music in 1994, John was Head of Acquisitions at Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment and Managing Director of Hand Made Films, which was co-founded by George Harrison. He has also produced a number of TV and film projects including operas and ballets from companies all over the world.

Source: Warner Music International