EMI Executive Mark Poston Quits The Label

EMI executive Mark Poston has quit the recently-sold major label today, with staff at both EMI and new owners Universal told of the news this morning.

First reported by The Music Network, the Chairman & Senior Vice President for EMI Music Australia's departure has been confirmed to theMusic.com.au. Earlier this year the Australasian Music Industry Directory's inaugural Power 50 ranked him as the 46th most powerful person in the music industry.

A board member of ARIA and PPCA, Poston rose through the ranks of the label and is credited with successes such as Angus & Julia Stone and Empire Of The Sun. He was also involved in bringing A&R guru Scott Horscroft into the label's fold.

EMI will now report to Universal Music Australia's head George Ash until a replacement is found for Poston.

Last year EMI's recorded music and publishing divisions were split and sold to Universal and a Sony/ATV consortium respectively.

Ash had this to say about Poston today:

“Universal Music today announces that Mark Poston has decided to step down from his role as Chairman & Senior Vice President Marketing, Australasia at EMI Music Australia.

“Mark joined EMI Music Australia in 2000 as Label Manager, Virgin Records moving next into Head of Capitol Records in Australia. In 2005 he relocated to London as Director, Global Marketing and Director of EMI UK frontline label Angel Music Group/Charisma. Mark returned to lead EMI Music Australia in 2008.

“Mark inspired a new creative direction for EMI, encouraging innovation and breathing change into the business. His passion to integrate art, design and other creative principles with music was showcased in the EMI Art Project at the creative hub he created in Surry Hills and with the company's consistent strike rate and successes.

“Under Mark's tenure EMI Music Australia enjoyed great domestic success and diversified the local roster including label deals with STOP/START and Future Music. EMI has been home to major Australian success stories with Empire of The Sun, Angus & Julia Stone, Birds of Tokyo, 360, Keith Urban and Ricki-Lee.

“Mark has indicated that he wants to take some much deserved 'time out'.

“Following Mark's departure EMI will report directly into George Ash, President Australasia, Universal Music Group, until a new Head of EMI is announced.”

Poston was interviewed at last year's BIGSOUND music conference, which took place before the sale to Universal was confirmed. At the time he admitted, "It's been a really turbulent time for EMI... But I think sometimes adversity can be a kind of blessing.”

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