In a move that took many by surprise, a leading executive at iTunes has ankled for an A&R post at Capitol and Virgin Records.

And you thought everything was moving from physical to digital in the record biz.

As Director of Global Initiatives for Apple’s online retailer, Alex Luke occupied one of the most influential gatekeeper jobs in the current music industry.

He now joins EMI Music, which may soon be under new ownership itself, as Executive Vice President of A&R for Capitol and Virgin Records, the second hiring for the department by Label Group President Dan McCarroll, who tapped Downtown Records’ Michael Howe for a VP A&R post earlier this month.

During his seven years at iTunes, Luke has been responsible for the digital platform's music programming, music content acquisition, and artist and industry relationships. Not to mention getting his butt kissed by everyone.

In his new role, Luke will be responsible for finding and developing creative talent, reporting to McCarroll, He’ll be based in L.A., and will take up the position in January, when his Soho House membership kicks in.

Among his accomplishments at iTunes were the development and launch of programs including the ongoing iTunes "Live From" series at Apple retail stores, iTunes Originals, and iTunes' Single of the Week, which offered users a free download for a developing artist each week in major territories, and is credited with breaking Lady Antebellum, John Legend, La Roux and The Fray, among others.

McCarroll commented: "Alex is simply one of the best music people I've had the privilege of working with. He has a great understanding of what it takes to have a hit and to sustain success, and he is able to work in partnership with artists to deliver the positive outcomes that they truly deserve.

"I am thrilled that Alex is joining the new team that we are building here, and I can't wait to get down to work with him and Michael Howe to find, sign and nurture the next generation of Capitol and Virgin artists. And get my own Apple iTunes gift card."

Added Luke: "Capitol and Virgin are two of the most storied labels around, and I'm honored to be given this opportunity to work with and develop creative talent for the group. Dan's appointment has already had an impact on the way that the labels operate creatively, and I'm excited to have this chance to work with him and the whole team at EMI."

Alex began his career in radio in 1987, with major ratings successes as a PD and DJ in Dallas, St Louis and Chicago. He co-founded online retailer spun.com in Chicago in 1999, before selling the business to Pasadena-based Idealab in 2001. He subsequently served as VP Music Programming and Label Relations at both Pressplay and Napster, leading music programming efforts across all formats.

He joined Apple in 2003, helping expand and grow the music service from the U.S. into 23 territories, growing revenues to more than $3 billion annually, establishing innovative partnerships with artists including Linkin Park, Dave Matthews Band and Radiohead.