Warner Chappell Music has promoted London-based exec Paul Smith to the newly created position of VP, A&R and International Songwriters. At the same time, the pubco has launched a database named ARROW that aims to facilitate greater collaboration and accelerate the global pitch process for songs.

In his new role, Smith is tasked with strengthening relationships between songwriters on WCM's global roster and driving more collaborations between them and with major recording artists worldwide.

Previously Creative Director, he continues to be based in London and reports to WCM's U.K. MD Mike Smith, with a dotted line into Shani Gonzales, the company’s newly appointed EVP of International A&R.

ARROW stands for A&R Representing Our Writers and the internal song pitching tool was developed by the team at Warner Chappell Nashville. It will be used by the publisher’s A&Rs worldwide to search and share unreleased songs internally and pitch them for commercial use.

“The elevation of Paul and creation of ARROW reflect our commitment to finding new ways to better serve our songwriters globally,” said Warner Chappell Music Co-Chair and CEO Guy Moot. “We’re invested in promoting outstanding executive talent internally, and Paul is the perfect fit to help us drive our international strategy forward.”

Mike Smith added: “He’s been instrumental in the careers of so many of our songwriters and is always looking for global opportunities to help them take their craft to the next level.”

Smith has been with Warner Chappell since 2016, beginning as Senior International Creative Manager and moving up to Creative Director. He’s boosted the frequency of international collaboration among WCM songwriters with songwriting camps in London, Stockholm, Los Angeles and Nashville.