Rob Pascoe is taking the reins as Managing Director of Motown Records UK while Afryea Henry-Fontaine is Marketing Director.

Motown Records is expanding into the U.K. with Virgin EMI General Manager Rob Pascoe taking on the new position of Managing Director of Motown Records UK. It’s the first major move by Rebecca Allen since she took over as EMI Records President last month.

The label will be EMI Records’ dedicated home for releases from Motown’s revitalized U.S. operation under Ethiopia Habtemariam as well as a home for a new generation of British black music.

Motown U.K.’s team will be completed over the coming weeks. The first hire is Afryea Henry-Fontaine as Marketing Director, who was upped from Senior Marketing Manager at Virgin EMI.

Motown President Habtemariam said, “The past five years have been a period of tremendous global growth for Motown, through artist development that’s central to our company’s 60-year history and via entrepreneurial partnerships that have greatly expanded our reach. The timing could not be more perfect for the launch of Motown Records U.K., and I’m looking forward to working closely with Rebecca, Rob and Afryea as we sign and develop exciting new British talent, expand our platform for Black entrepreneurship in the U.K. and guide Motown towards even greater global success.”

Pascoe and Henry-Fontaine have been integral to the success of the Motown repertoire in the U.K. over the past nine years, championing the likes of Lil Yachty, Migos, Lil Baby and others.

Pascoe, who has spent 18 years with Universal Music, will continue in his wider ambassadorial role for EMI with a particular focus on supporting the label’s U.S. repertoire. Henry-Fontaine joined Universal Music in 2012.

“With the launch of Motown Records in the U.K., with a dedicated team and resources, we’re looking forward to bringing the music of this culture-defining label and its artists to the widest possible audiences as well as building an energising and inspiring new roster at the label,” Allen said.

“Rob and Afryea are two of the most inspiring executives within the music business. Having already worked incredibly closely with the Motown team in the U.S., I have no doubt that their energy and ambition will lead this label into a very exciting new chapter in its history.”