RANI HANCOCK TAKES OVER SIRE; STEIN REMAINS CHAIRMAN

Prior to taking on his new role at WMG, Max Lousada has tapped Rani Hancock as the new president of Sire Records as the storied label enjoys its 50th anniversary. The former A&R exec at RCA and Island starts 8/1.

Lousada, who becomes CEO, Recorded Music, WMG on 10/1, said, Hancock will “help us reignite Sire as a beacon for the bravest and biggest stars.”

“Whether it’s artists or executives, we’re focused on attracting and developing true talent who will pioneer the future of music,” he said. “Rani is the perfect example of our approach, as her own rare qualities will, in turn, draw original, genre-defying artists to Sire.”

Seymour Stein, who co-founded Sire Records with Richard Gottehrer in 1967 and saw it explode after signing The Ramones, Talking Heads, Pretenders and Madonna, remains Chairman.

Over the course of her two-decade career, which began at Arista Records under the tutelage of Clive Davis, Hancock has signed or worked with stars such as Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Pitbull, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.

One of the founding employees of J Records, she rose to EVP of A&R at RCA, and in 2015, joined Island as EVP, Head of A&R.

Hancock said, “I’ve always been inspired by Sire's roster of artists and the label’s fearless, independent spirit. … I hope to continue that tradition of finding and supporting culture-changing artists who make hugely popular music that withstands the test of time.”

Warner Bros. Records CEO & Chairman Cameron Strang said Hancock “has great ears for discovering unique artists and outstanding instincts for making records.”

Stein, who also holds the title of Senior Label A&R Executive, Independent Music, WMG, added, "It has been my dream to be joined by someone I can work together with to help strengthen and expand the label. Given Rani's exceptional track record and tremendous enthusiasm, I am convinced she is the person to build both the Sire roster and brand, and help take the company into the future."