Ed Howard and Briony Turner named Co-Presidents of Atlantic Records UK

17 December 2019 - Press release

Warner Music UK today announced that Briony Turner and Ed Howard have been promoted to Co-Presidents of Atlantic Records UK, effective from 1 January. Turner, who joined Atlantic in 2009, is upped from Co-Head of A&R for the label, while Howard is currently MD of Asylum Records UK, the Atlantic UK imprint that he joined upon its inception 12 years ago.

Together, Howard and Turner will assume responsibility for the full Atlantic Records UK portfolio, overseeing the creative and strategic direction of the company as well as the implementation of campaigns for its world-class roster of UK, US, and international artists, including Anne-Marie, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Charli XCX, Clean Bandit, Ed Sheeran, Jess Glynne, Lizzo, Paolo Nutini, Rita Ora, Rudimental, Stormzy, and many others.

Turner and Howard, along with their Atlantic/Asylum colleagues, have picked up numerous industry awards in recent years, among them A&R Team of the Year at the 2019 Music Week Awards, Record Company of the Year at the 2018 Music Week Awards, and the Major Label award at the 2017 and 2018 MBW A&R Awards.

Tony Harlow, incoming Chairman & CEO of Warner Music UK, said: “From its inception in the States over seven decades ago, to the creation of the first stand-alone Atlantic Records UK company in 2004, the label has been guided by A&R-driven, independent-spirited leaders. Briony and Ed are carrying on that tradition with enormous success, time and time again showing that they can spot truly original talent and develop global superstars. Their artists break the mould, transcend boundaries, and drive the conversation. They are brilliantly suited to take this culture-shifting label into the future.”

Turner has gained a reputation as a trailblazing A&R executive through signings such as Grammy Award-winning electronic pop collective, Clean Bandit, and Jess Glynne, who holds the record for the most number ones by a British female solo artist ever. Turner came to Atlantic from Global Talent Publishing, where she was instrumental in signing Ellie Goulding, Al Shux, LMFAO, and others. She began her career at 19 Entertainment, working closely with Pop Idol winner Will Young.

Howard, widely regarded as one of the industry’s outstanding young leaders, has been instrumental in the development of acclaimed artists such as Ed Sheeran, Rudimental, Charli XCX, and Anne-Marie. Since signing Sheeran in late 2010, Howard has played a key role in his record-shattering career. Just named the UK’sOfficial Number 1 Artist of the Decade, Sheeran’s numerous accolades include four BRITs, four Grammys, four Ivor Novellos, six MTV Awards, and four Q Awards. Howard joined Asylum in 2007 from Sony/ATV.

Ed Howard said: “Since relaunching Asylum twelve years ago, our aim has been to match the creativity, passion and drive of the unique artists with whom we’re privileged to work. We’ve sparked collaboration and opportunity across our creative community, with an ambition to move the world. That philosophy extends to the entire Atlantic roster, team and culture. And, I know it will form the foundation of my partnership with Briony. I’m so proud to begin this chapter with her, Tony, and the incredible Atlantic team, as we nurture generation-defining talent from the UK and across the globe.”

Briony Turner commented: “Atlantic has been my home for ten years this month, and I couldn’t be more excited to be embarking on this next phase with Ed and the team. Giving artists the care, guidance and support they need to create their best music is what we strive to do every day at Atlantic UK. This artist-first philosophy is at the heart of what Ed and I believe in, and I know that together, we’ll keep pushing Atlantic forward, breaking new ground as we go. I’d like to thank our outstanding Atlantic team for their continued support, and join Ed in welcoming Tony into the Warner Music UK family.”