Scott Francis Named President, Warner/Chappell Music, and Chairman and CEO, Warner/Chappell Music U.S.
During Francis' tenure at BMG Songs North America, the division became one of the most successful music publishing operations in the world with a diverse roster of highly successful songwriters including Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera, Nelly, Daughtry, The All-American Rejects, Yellowcard, Chingy, Keyshia Cole, Sara Evans, Chad Hugo and The Matrix, among many others.
In making the announcement, Johnson said, "With Scott running our U.S. operations and helping define our global objectives, I feel we've now assembled an outstanding worldwide executive team at Warner/Chappell. Scott brings a track record of creative excellence, managerial success and deal-making acumen that will be of enormous benefit to our organization. I'm thrilled to welcome him aboard and look forward to collaborating with him as we strive to make Warner/Chappell the most progressive and artist-centered music publisher in the industry."
Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group, said, "In looking for a head of Warner/Chappell's U.S. operations, we wanted an executive who not only has a deep understanding of songwriters and music publishing, but one who also has a vision of how to position a music publishing company to seize the opportunities presented by the industry's rapid digital transformation. I'm confident Scott is that executive and that he will have much to contribute to both Warner/Chappell and the entire Warner Music Group family."
Francis said, "Joining a company with Warner/Chappell's storied past, amazing current roster and boundless potential is truly an honor. I'm excited to work alongside Dave and his experienced team, and particularly delighted to work with the wonderfully talented songwriters that represent Warner/Chappell's roster today. More than ever, music publishers are ideally situated to enable and foster artist development, and as such, I'm committed to making Warner/Chappell the first-choice for songwriters, and in doing so, being a powerful resource for our record label partners. Warner/Chappell's library of standards and hit songs is exceptional, and I look forward to creating and seizing opportunities to bring these works to new audiences through an array of traditional and emerging platforms."
Francis served as President of BMG Songs North America from 2000 to 2007. Prior to joining BMG, from 1994 to 2000, Francis served as Vice President, Business Affairs and Administration for Sony/ATV Music Publishing where he oversaw all aspects of business and legal affairs for the company's U.S. operations.
As an attorney in private practice, Francis represented numerous recording artists, songwriters, producers and record companies, first at the firm of Levine Thall & Plotkin, and later at the firm of Mayer Katz Baker Leibowitz & Roberts.
About Warner/Chappell Music
Warner/Chappell Music is WMG's award-winning global music publishing company. The Warner/Chappell Music catalog included standards such as "Happy Birthday To You," "Rhapsody in Blue," "Winter Wonderland," the songs of Cole Porter and George and Ira Gershwin, as well as the music of Dido, Dr. Dre, Eric Clapton, Green Day, Led Zeppelin, Madonna, Nickelback, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sheryl Crow, T.I. and others. Warner/Chappell Music is a leader in creating innovative strategies for marketing and promoting its songwriters and their music. The company's extensive catalog makes it a natural first stop for A&R executives and record producers, feature film and television production companies, and others looking to record or license some of the world's greatest music.