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“By relinquishing my duties at the BPI, I hope to make more time available to…selectively add to the portfolio.”

WADSWORTH TO LEAVE BPI GIG

The Former EMI U.K. Chief Hints About Upcoming “Music-Related” Venture or Ventures

After being name-checked by I.B Bad as one ofthe more intriguing ideas to head Sony Music U.K., it seems Tony Wadsworth will not be taking on that role--and that he’s also decided to step down as Chairman of the BPI and BRIT Awards by the end of the year, Music Week reports. However, the renowned A&R exec hinted that he may have something significant up his sleeve.

"After almost seven years in the role, I have decided to make 2014 my final year as Chairman of BPI and BRIT Awards Ltd," Wadsworth revealed in a statement on Wednesday. "It has been a real privilege to be so involved in industry issues over this period of radical change and transformation and to sit around the Council table with colleagues who have such an amazing wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for our business. It has also been hugely rewarding working with Geoff Taylor and the BPI and BRITs teams—and seeing the difference their hard work makes in so many areas week in, week out.

"In recent years since leaving EMI, in addition to my BPI activities, I have enjoyed getting involved in several new ventures, commercial and non-commercial, but all music-related," he continued. "By relinquishing my duties at the BPI, I hope to make more time available to focus on these and selectively add to the portfolio.

"In the coming months I will work with Geoff and the Council to develop and implement a succession plan, and expect I shall stand down sometime in the second half of the year.  I intend to continue as a BRIT Trustee and BRIT School governor." 

Wadsworth first joined the BPI Council in 1998 as the official representative of EMI Music U.K. & Ireland, taking on the BPI Council Chair in 2007. In 2008, soon after Guy Hands and his minion arrived at EMI, Wadsworth left the company following a 26-year run—the last 10 as Chairman/CEO—that included the signings of Radiohead and Coldplay, the integration of Virgin and the relaunch of Parlophone, among numerous other highlights, at which point he took on the dual roles of Chairman of BPI and the BRITs Committee.

Whatever Wadsworth is planning as his next move, it should prove to be extremely interesting, given his distinguished track record and consummate taste.

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