Strategic changes see Rossella Lorello transition to Sync & Licensing to maximize cross-sector opportunities for songwriters amid domestic repertoire surge and hiring of new creatives
MILAN, FEBRUARY 19 2026 – Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the global music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, today announced a strategic evolution of its Italian creative leadership team in Milan. WCM Italy’s Lodovico Pagani has been promoted to Head of A&R, Rossella Lorello transitions to the Sync & Licensing team, Giacomo Domenichelli joins as A&R Manager, and Francesca Rossi is upped to Head of Legal.
In his new role, Pagani will lead WCM Italy’s A&R strategy, reporting to Santiago Menéndez-Pidal, President, Southern Europe. He will oversee the creative development of the publisher’s acclaimed roster, including the likes of Annalisa, Carl Brave, Federico Nardelli, Frah Quintale, Ghali, Gianna Nannini, Joan Thiele, Laura Pausini, Mace, Michele Canova, Raige, Sadturs & Kiid, and Sick Luke.
These leadership changes follow a streak of chart-topping success for WCM Italy, including the recent signing of Geolier, whose January album Tutto è possibile dominated the Italian charts, securing No. 1 spots across the Physical, Digital, and Spotify charts. To help support Pagani, Giacomo Domenichelli joins the team from management company Intera Music. He will focus on scouting and creative development within WCM Italy’s A&R team.
Santiago Menéndez-Pidal, President, Southern Europe, Warner Chappell Music, says: “Lodovico possesses an intuitive understanding of Italy’s creative heartbeat. By elevating him to lead A&R, hiring Giacomo and Francesca, and moving Rossella’s deep creative knowledge into our Sync division, we’re creating a more integrated and creative ecosystem for our songwriters. We’re evolving WCM Italy to meet a market where domestic talent is more prominent – and more globally exportable – than ever before.”
Lodovico Pagani, Head of A&R, WCM Italy, adds: “I am honored to lead our A&R efforts at such a pivotal moment for Italian music. Having worked closely with our roster for years, I know the incredible potential we have to redefine the Italian songbook. My focus is to provide a bespoke, creative-first environment where our songwriters can push boundaries and reach new audiences.”
Furthering the company’s creative-sync synergy, Rossella Lorello moves into the Sync & Licensing team, reporting to Leonardo Germinario, WCM Italy’s VP of Sync & Licensing. Lorello will act as a bridge between A&R and licensing, focusing on placing WCM Italy’s catalog across global film, television, advertising, and gaming sectors, with sync continuing to be a growth engine for the company.
