EMI Records UK Chief Leaves Company After 25 Years

Tony Wadsworth, chairman and chief executive of EMI Records, has left after more than 25 years at the company.

He is the first of a number of senior members of staff who are expected to leave following EMI’s recent takeover by private equity company, Terra Firma.

Wadsworth is credited with establishing some of the label’s biggest artists, including, Coldplay and Robbie Williams, and is a highly respected figure in the music industry.

His role will be taken over by Roger Ames, who fronts EMI in America, and Terra Firma board member Mike Clasper, the record label has announced.

Wadsworth’s departure comes ahead of an extensive reshuffle which is expected to be announced by Terra Firma’s chief executive Guy Hands later this month.

It’s believed that Hands’ reconstruction plans will echo earlier calls for artists to work harder, as well as monitoring EMI’s spending in other areas.

Terra Firma’s £2.4bn takeover has already affected EMI’s artist roster, with Radiohead and Sir Paul McCartney both leaving to work independently.

Coldplay, one of EMI’s biggest remaining acts, are also reported to be discussing their future at the label.