Jason Iley

Jason Iley is the current Chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK.[1] Formerly President of Roc Nation Records and the UK chief of Mercury Records, Iley currently heads up all of Sony Music's activities in the UK and Ireland, overseeing Sony Music's frontline and imprint labels across the region, including the operations of Columbia, Epic, RCA, Syco, Commercial Group, Relentless and Black Butter. Iley was instrumental in launching Insanity Records and also oversaw Sony Music UK's acquisition of Ministry Of Sound Recordings.

Jason Iley
Birth nameJason Iley
OriginLondon, United Kingdom
GenresDance, Pop, Rap, RnB, Rock
Occupation(s)Music Industry Executive
Years active1994 – present
LabelsSony Music, Mercury Records, Roc Nation Records, Epic, Columbia Records, RCA Records, Relentless, Black Butter Records, Insanity Records, Syco, Ministry Of Sound
Associated actsU2, Paloma Faith, Mark Ronson, Beyonce, Pharrell Williams, Paul McCartney, Rihanna, One Direction, Robbie Williams, Calvin Harris, George Ezra, Rag'n'Bone Man

Career Overview

Posts held at record companies since 2005:

Career

Iley began his career as a product manager at Sony Music in 1994, and subsequently worked at Universal Music UK across labels including Polydor Records and Island Records.

Mercury Records 2005 - 2013

In May 2005, Iley was appointed Managing Director of Mercury Records, and left his role at Island.[4] The following year, Iley was promoted to President, and worked with established artists such as Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, U2, and Rihanna, as well as emerging acts like Chase & Status and Jake Bugg.[5]

U2, who previously had a long-standing association with Island Records, followed Iley to Mercury Records in October 2006.[6] The Independent described their move to the label, stating "Their closest ally ... Jason Iley, was appointed managing director of Mercury Records last year, and the band have now followed him there."[7] A similar report posted on Virgin.net cited, "U2 are keen to continue working with Jason Iley, who switched from Island to Mercury to become their President earlier this year."

President of Roc Nation

In June 2013, Roc Nation Records, founded by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and home to artists such as J. Cole, Rita Ora and Jay Electronica, announced Jason Iley would become its President, based out of New York.[8]

Chairman & CEO Sony Music UK and Ireland

Sony Music CEO Doug Morris announced that Iley would become Chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland in April 2014.[9]

In 2014, Iley brought Black Butter Records into the Sony Music fold[10] who went on to sign and develop J Hus.[11] In 2015, he negotiated a deal with Insanity Records[12] – the label's first signing was Craig David, who scored his first No.1 album in 16 years.[13] He also invested in new joint venture labels, Since '93[14] and Dream Life Records.[15] Iley engineered the launch of new department 4th Floor Creative,[16] bringing together Sony Music UK's creative discipline and appointed Cassandra Gracey as President. Iley said: “I’ve always wanted to work with Cassandra, who is a highly respected, dynamic executive.”[17]

In 2015, Jason appointed British A&R, DJ, music-maker and broadcaster DJ Semtex as Director of Artist Development, who returned to the company after 14 years claiming he was “looking forward to working with Jason, in a new era at Sony Music.”[18] Iley later announced Ferdy Unger-Hamilton as the new President of Columbia Records UK,[19] David Dollimore as the President of RCA UK[20] and Dipesh Parmar as President of Ministry of Sound.[21]

Industry trade magazine 'Music Week' credited Iley's acquisitions and exec changes for Sony ending 2017 with its highest market share ever. Paloma Faith publicly praised Jason for the changes he made at Sony Music since becoming Chairman and labelled him “by far my favourite human to have encountered”.[22]

In 2016, Iley negotiated a deal that saw Robbie Williams move to Sony Music[23] to record his 11th album. Jason commented that the agreement was "a once in a lifetime signing with the biggest male solo artist of our generation."[24] After the release of his album The Heavy Entertainment Show, Robbie Williams became the record holder for most UK number one albums by a British solo artist.[25] Arcade Fire also moved their entire back catalogue to Sony Music, after 12 years at Universal.[26]

Under Iley's leadership, in 2014 the company achieved its best singles success for 33 years, with 11 Number 1 singles.[27] At the 2015 BRIT Awards, Sony Music artists won a total of five individual awards, which was Sony's best in nearly 20 years.[28] At the 2017 BRIT Awards, Iley's company dominated, winning 9 out of 13 awards. Iley commented that it was a "momentous and historic night" for Sony Music artists.[29]

Iley partnered with mental health charity Mind and signed an initiative on behalf of Sony Music, which aimed to increase awareness and understanding of mental health.[30] During Mental Health Awareness Week in 2018, Iley announced that Sony Music UK would offer their employees ‘Premium Days’[31] – two days, in addition to holiday, for personal development. This campaign was backed by Sony Music artists.[32] Alongside George Ezra, he publicly supported The BRITs when they chose Mind as their 2018 charity partner, commenting, “Mind do wonderful life-saving and life-enhancing work in the field of mental health, so I’m delighted that The BRITs can make a contribution to their vital campaign in schools". In a Music Week interview he added, "it's okay to talk about these issues".[33]

Iley stated Sony Music's commitment to supporting the Music Venue Trust's campaign in protecting small UK venues, saying "We recognise the vital role that grassroots music venues play, providing an essential platform for artists to be able to take their first steps and develop their audiences".[34] Under Iley's direction Sony Music became the first company in the UK to offer additional leave for parents of premature babies. He said of the policy, “We appreciate that it can be an extremely difficult and worrying time for those who experience premature labour and family is of the upmost importance.”[35] Jason was the first signatory from the entertainment industry to The Valuable 500 campaign for disability inclusion.[36]

Jason Iley was named on Variety’s Power Players Across the World List in 2019.[37] He was listed on Billboard's 2019 International Power Players List for the third consecutive year,[38] and appeared on the Evening Standard's annual "London's Most Influential People" list in October 2019 for the sixth consecutive year,[39] alongside George Ezra and Ed Sheeran.

Ministry of Sound Acquisition

Under Iley's tenure, in August 2016 Sony Music acquired Ministry of Sound Recordings, home to London Grammar, DJ Fresh and Sigala, bringing the label – including its artists, back catalogue and compilations – under the Sony Music umbrella.

He commented on the acquisition: “Ministry of Sound is one of the greatest brands in music. I’m delighted to welcome one of the most innovative, smart and pioneering labels to the Sony Music family. David and Dipesh’s track record, alongside one of the best curation teams in the business, speaks for itself and the label will be another hugely exciting addition to Sony Music UK’s vision for the future.”[40][41][42]

BRITs

Jason Iley was Chairman of the BRITs Committee from 2017-2019 and was responsible for the look, feel and creative element of the BRIT Awards. In his first year, Iley was responsible for a shake-up of the BRITs Voting Academy, declaring the BRITs had “a responsibility to be truly reflective of what is happening in music". Iley was widely praised for shaking up the event.[43] Subsequently, after the 2018 awards show, The Independent published a headline that read "Brit Awards 2018: Finally paying attention to British music".[44] Iley also moved the BRIT Awards nominations show to a primetime Saturday night slot on ITV.[45]

Under the direction of Iley, The BRITs partnered with mental health charity Mind. Across his years half a million pounds was donated to support mental wellbeing for young people. Jason said of the donation, "The difference that these charities make towards people's lives is immeasurable and addressing this subject within schools is vital to a progressive and optimistic future".[46]

Iley appointed British architect Dame Zaha Hadid to create the 2017 award statue. In 2018 he commissioned Sir Anish Kapoor – the first sculptor to re-imagine the award and in his final year as Chairman, he announced Sir David Adjaye OBE would create the 2019 statue – completing a trilogy of world-renowned British creatives.[47][48]

Jason appointed Jack Whitehall who made his debut as BRITs host in 2018,[49] The Telegraph labelled him as “the best Brits host in years”.[50] Across the three years the show featured more than fifty artist performances including Ed Sheeran, Little Mix, Stormzy, Dua Lipa, Foo Fighters, Rag’n’Bone Man, P!NK and Calvin Harris – who made his debut BRITs performance.[51] The shows also featured a number of poignant tributes – Gary Barlow and Liam Gallagher, who paid tribute to victims of the Manchester terror attack [2018] and after the devastating loss of George Michael, his former Wham! bandmates delivered a heartfelt tribute, alongside a performance from Chris Martin.[52]

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References
  1. https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/6039450/jason-iley-named-ceo-of-sony-music-uk
  2. http://www.universalmusic.com/corporate/detail/259
  3. http://www.sonymusic.co.uk/about
  4. http://www.universalmusic.com/corporate/detail/259
  5. http://www.debretts.com/people/debretts-500-2015/music/jason-iley
  6. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/dec/29/us-island-records-return
  7. http://www.atu2.com/news/how-did-u2-get-from-island-to-mercury.html
  8. https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/1566495/exclusive-roc-nation-names-jason-iley-label-president
  9. http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/jason-iley-named-sony-uk-boss/058120
  10. http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/sony-music-uk-strikes-global-black-butter-deal/060159
  11. "'J Hus is part of a golden age for the UK': Black Butter president Joe Gossa on the Common Sense campaign". www.musicweek.com. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  12. "Craig David signs album deal with Insanity Records - Speakerbox". Sony Music UK. 2016-01-25. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  13. "Craig David scores his first Number 1 album in 16 years". Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  14. "Sony Music UK launches new label, led by Glyn Aikins and Riki Bleau". Music Business Worldwide. 2018-06-25. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  15. "Sony Music Launches New U.K. Label Dream Life Records". Billboard. 2020-04-07. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  16. "Sony Music UK launches 4th Floor Creative Group, hires Cassandra Gracey as President". Music Business Worldwide. 2018-04-16. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  17. "'Dynamic' Cassandra Gracey unveiled as president of Sony's 4th Floor Creative Group". www.musicweek.com. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  18. "DJ Semtex returns to Sony, hired by his old boss Jason Iley". Music Business Worldwide. 2015-01-22. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  19. "Columbia Records U.K. Names Ferdy Unger-Hamilton as New President". Billboard. 2016-10-31. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  20. "David Dollimore to be named RCA UK boss - Dipesh Parmar set to lead Sony's Ministry Of Sound". Music Business Worldwide. 2016-12-12. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  21. "Sony Music UK Ups Dipesh Parmar to President, Ministry of Sound Recordings". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  22. "Rumor Mill - JASON ILEY: "THE BEST PLAYERS" AND THE STATE OF PLAY". HITS Daily Double. Retrieved 2017-12-06.
  23. "Jason Iley: Robbie Williams deal was 10 years in the making". www.musicweek.com. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  24. "Robbie Williams signs to Sony, leaving behind Universal deal". Music Business Worldwide. 2016-05-08. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  25. "Robbie Williams breaks chart record". BBC News. 2016-11-11. Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  26. "Arcade Fire pull catalogue from UMG/Merge to sign new deal with Sony - Music Business Worldwide". Music Business Worldwide. 2017-06-01. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  27. http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/sony-music-uk-sets-33-year-personal-best-for-no-1-singles-2/062092
  28. "Iley hails 'phenomenal' Sony BRITs performance | Labels | Music Week". www.musicweek.com. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  29. "Sony Music artists won more than two-thirds of this year's BRIT Awards". Music Business Worldwide. 2017-02-22. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  30. "Sony Music UK team up with mental health charity, Mind". Sony Music UK. Retrieved 2017-12-06.
  31. "HITS Daily Double : Rumor Mill - ILEY INFORMATIVE". HITS Daily Double. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  32. "Meghan Trainor and George Ezra back Mental Health Awareness Week 'music days off' initiative". i. 2018-05-14. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
  33. "'It's okay to talk about these issues': Jason Iley on tackling mental health in the music industry". Retrieved 2018-08-22.
  34. "Sony Music commits to backing grassroots small venues - BBC Newsbeat". BBC Newsbeat. 2017-10-18. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  35. "Extra leave for premature babies' parents". BBC News. 2018-07-20. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
  36. "Nationwide music therapy bursaries launched by Nordoff Robbins & Sony Music UK". Sony Music UK. 2020-01-21. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
  37. "Variety International Music Impact Report". Variety. 2019-05-30. Retrieved 2019-06-04.
  38. "Revealed: Billboard's 2019 International Power Players Led By Drake's OVO Team". Billboard. Retrieved 2019-06-04.
  39. "The Progress 1000: Music". Evening Standard. Retrieved 2019-10-15.
  40. "Sony Music UK acquires Ministry of Sound Recordings". Sony Music UK. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
  41. Turvill, William (2016-08-10). "Ministry of Sound investment: Sony Music acquires London Grammar label". Retrieved 2017-02-10.
  42. "Sony Music UK Acquires Ministry of Sound". Billboard. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
  43. "Can the BRITs get right what The Grammys got wrong?". Music Business Worldwide. 2018-02-21. Retrieved 2019-08-09.
  44. "Brit Awards 2018: Finally paying attention to British music". The Independent. 2018-02-21. Retrieved 2019-08-09.
  45. "ITV gives BRITs nominations show Saturday night primetime slot | Complete Music Update". Retrieved 2019-08-09.
  46. "Brit Awards donates £250,000 to charities to support mental health". Independent.ie. Retrieved 2019-08-09.
  47. "BRIT Awards Statue by Zaha Hadid - Design - Zaha Hadid Architects". www.zaha-hadid.com. Retrieved 2017-12-06.
  48. "Sir David Adjaye named as latest designer to jazz up the Brit award". Metro. 2018-10-23. Retrieved 2018-10-29.
  49. "Jack Whitehall to host 2018 Brit Awards". BBC News. 2017-12-08. Retrieved 2018-03-07.
  50. Hogan, Michael (2018-02-22). "Jack Whitehall, the best Brits host in years, could be the next James Corden – and that's good". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2018-03-07.
  51. Rajani, Deepika (2019-02-20). "Brits 2019 performers: tonight's line-up, from Hugh Jackman and Little Mix to Calvin Harris". inews.co.uk. Retrieved 2019-08-09.
  52. Boult, Adam (2017-02-22). "George Michael tribute at Brits 2017 leaves fans in tears - before Chris Martin brings the house down". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2019-08-09.
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