Sony Music UK has appointed Michael Smith executive vice president, along with several other promotions in the label's legal and business affairs department.
Smith has more than 25 years of experience of music and entertainment law, beginning his career in private practice and spending 10 years at media specialists Schillings. In 1997, he was appointed director of legal & business affairs at Zomba Records Limited, where he remained until it was purchased by BMG. After a period with BMG Music Publishing as vice president of international, Smith was named SVP of legal & business affairs at Sony Music in 2006.
Since then, he has been at the fore of a series of agreements for Sony Music, including Simon Cowell and Syco Entertainment’s long-term partnership extension; joint ventures with Black Butter and Insanity and the creation of Red Essential. Last month, Smith was instrumental in the signing of 17-time BRIT Award winner Robbie Williams.
Other artists he has also led key renegotiations with include One Direction, Calvin Harris, Mark Ronson, Paloma Faith and The Script.
Jason Iley, chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK, said: “Michael is one of the most talented executives in the music industry. His professionalism and legal skills are legendary. He has the huge respect of his colleagues, our artists and all of our partners.”
Smith added: “I am very grateful to Jason and everyone at Sony Music for their support for myself and my team. I would like to place on record my thanks to all my colleagues – and congratulate them on their promotions. I am incredibly proud of their success and confident that the Sony Music UK Legal and Business Affairs department has few peers in the industry.”
Smith's promotion is one of a number of key appointments in Sony Music UK’s legal and business affairs department. David Turnbull has been promoted to senior vice president, legal and business affairs, Sony Music UK. He joined BMG as business affairs manager for RCA Records in October 1995, before being appointed director of business affairs in 2001. Following the BMG and Sony merger, Turnball was then promoted to vice president, legal & business affairs, for RCA and Syco Music in 2006. Alongside Smith, Turnbull will help oversee all Sony Music UK legal and business affairs including representation at industry organisations.
Andy Young has also been promoted to vice president, legal and business affairs for RCA and Syco Music. Young joined BMG in April 2001, initially as business affairs manager for the commercial division. In 2006, he was appointed senior legal and business affairs manager for RCA and Syco Music, and became director of legal & business affairs in 2008. Young will have responsibility for all RCA and Syco Music matters.
In further appointments, Nick Kadrnka is promoted to director of legal and business affairs, CMG; Sacha Kilbey is promoted to director of legal and business affairs, Columbia and Philippa Tandy is promoted to director of legal and business affairs, Sony Labels.
FOLLOW 
