DAVID DOLLIMORE APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF RCA UK AND MINISTRY OF SOUND RECORDINGS

13 December 2016 - Press release

Neil Hughes becomes MD of RCA UK

Dipesh Parmar is new MD of Ministry of Sound Recordings

Jason Iley, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK and Ireland, today [13.12] announced David Dollimore, one of the UK music industry’s rising stars, as the President of RCA UK and Ministry of Sound Recordings. He begins his new role with immediate effect and will report directly to Iley.

The partnering of two labels is an exciting strategic development for Sony Music UK. RCA is one of the most illustrious names in music whose roster includes Paloma Faith, Olly Murs, and Bring Me The Horizon. Ministry of Sound Recordings has been one of the world’s most successful independent labels with album sales in excess of 70 million.

Dollimore joined Ministry of Sound Recordings in 2000 before becoming Managing Director in 2007. Alongside A&R Director Dipesh Parmar, he has successfully launched major artists including current roster acts DJ Fresh, Sigala and London Grammar, whose debut album If You Wait went double platinum in the UK and sold more than 1.5 million copies globally.

The partnership between Dollimore and Parmar has now secured nine No.1 singles and was also named A&R Of The Year (Electronic/Dance) at the inaugural MBW A&R Awards in November 2016. The duo are also developing contemporary talent including Louis Berry and Moss Kena. Parmar now becomes the new Managing Director of Ministry of Sound Recordings.
 
Additionally, Neil Hughes is the new Managing Director of RCA UK. Hughes’ promotion comes after a successful three years as General Manager of RCA UK where he has delivered successful campaigns for major artists, including Beyoncé, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, Justin Timberlake, The Chainsmokers and Sia.

Iley said: “The coming together of these two exceptional labels is incredibly exciting for Sony Music UK – two powerhouse labels with a phenomenal strike rate led by three of the best execs in the business.

“I’m delighted David is taking up this new role as President of RCA UK and Ministry of Sound Recordings. He is one of the most dynamic and innovative A&R executives in the business whose track record speaks for itself. Dave is the future. Dipesh is also an incredible executive who has helped Ministry become the driving force it is today and I’m excited to see him take the label forward here at Sony Music. It’s also a thoroughly well deserved promotion for Neil whose relationships with the RCA artists are second to none. He has been invaluable at RCA in recent years.”

Dollimore said: “It’s an honour to be joining the Sony family and leading the incredible teams at RCA and Ministry of Sound Recordings into the next era for the labels. It is a privilege to be working for an industry leader like Jason at this pivotal time. It is really exciting to be a major part of his vision for the new landscape of Sony.

"I'm thrilled Dipesh will be taking over the role of MD of Ministry of Sound Recordings. Over the last decade we have grown a business that we are both very proud of. I am also looking forward to working closely with Neil, who has an outstanding pedigree across the industry.”

Hughes said: “To be given the job of MD at RCA, a truly legendary label, is a dream come true. I’m really excited to be working with David - he has a fantastic reputation. I know we'll make a great team. We already have an exciting release schedule for 2017 - so I look forward to continued success with our current roster as well as breaking new artists.”

Parmar said: “This is a very exciting new chapter for Ministry of Sound Recordings. I'm genuinely thrilled to be working with Jason, Nicola [Tuer] and all of the Sony Music team whom I have a huge amount of respect for. It is important for both Ministry and Sony Music that we retain our independent culture and we still want to offer something unique to artists. Now I look forward to working with everyone to push the brand and reputation further globally.”

Ministry of Sound Recordings has delivered consistent chart success throughout its history, including 42 UK No.1 albums and 21 UK No.1 singles. RCA is one of the most famous record labels in the world with a roster including many of the most renowned contemporary artists.

Iley added: “David succeeds Colin Barlow, who has now left his role at RCA. I wish Colin all the very best and would like to thank him for all of his hard work during his time at Sony Music.”