David Dollimore has been appointed president of RCA UK and Ministry Of Sound Recordings.
Dollimore, who will report to Sony Music UK and Ireland chairman and CEO Jason Iley, succeeds Colin Barlow, who has now left his role at RCA. Sony has described the partnering of the two labels as an "exciting strategic development" for the company.
Joining Ministry of Sound Recordings in 2000, Dollimore became MD in 2007. Alongside A&R director Dipesh Parmar, he has successfully launched major artists such as DJ Fresh, Sigala and London Grammar.
“The coming together of these two exceptional labels is incredibly exciting for Sony Music UK – two powerhouse labels with a phenomenal strike rate led by three of the best execs in the business," said Iley. “I’m delighted David is taking up this new role as president of RCA UK and Ministry of Sound Recordings. He is one of the most dynamic and innovative A&R executives in the business whose track record speaks for itself. Dave is the future.
"Dipesh is also an incredible executive who has helped Ministry become the driving force it is today and I’m excited to see him take the label forward here at Sony Music. It’s also a thoroughly well deserved promotion for Neil whose relationships with the RCA artists are second to none. He has been invaluable at RCA in recent years.”
Iley said: "I wish Colin all the very best and would like to thank him for all of his hard work during his time at Sony Music.”
The move comes after a stellar sales year for RCA under Barlow, who is leaving Sony. The label currently leads the Official Charts Company singles market share ranks with a 13.4% share and is ranked second on streams (behind Ted Cockle's Virgin EMI) with 11.7% and fourth on artist albums with 6.3%
The partnership between Dollimore and Parmar has now secured nine No.1 singles and was also named A&R Of The Year (Electronic/Dance) at the inaugural MBW A&R Awards in November 2016.The duo are also developingcontemporary talent including Louis Berry and Moss Kena. Parmar now becomes the new MD of Ministry of Sound Recordings.
Additionally, Neil Hughes has been promoted to MD of RCA UK after a successful three years as general manager in which he delivered successful campaigns for artists including Beyoncé, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, Justin Timberlake, The Chainsmokers and Sia.
Dollimore said: “It’s an honour to be joining the Sony family and leading the incredible teams at RCA and Ministry of Sound Recordings into the next era for the labels. It is a privilege to be working for an industry leader like Jason at this pivotal time. It is really exciting to be a major part of his vision for the new landscape of Sony.
"I'm thrilled Dipesh will be taking over the role of MD of Ministry of Sound Recordings. Over the last decade we have grown a business that we are both very proud of. I am also looking forward to working closely with Neil, who has an outstanding pedigree across the industry.”
Hughes added: “To be given the job of MD at RCA, a truly legendary label, is a dream come true. I’m really excited to be working with David - he has a fantastic reputation. I know we'll make a great team. We already have an exciting release schedule for 2017 - so I look forward to continued success with our current roster as well as breaking new artists.”
Parmar said: “This is a very exciting new chapter for Ministry of Sound Recordings. I'm genuinely thrilled to be working with Jason, Nicola [Tuer] and all of the Sony Music team whom I have a huge amount of respect for. It is important for both Ministry and Sony Music that we retain our independent culture and we still want to offer something unique to artists. Now I look forward to working with everyone to push the brand and reputation further globally.”
Sony acquired Ministry of Sound Recordings back in August.
