Orla Lee-Fisher has been appointed to the new role of Head of Dual Catalog Strategy at Warner Music Group.
According to WMG’s announcement on Tuesday (July 15), Lee-Fisher will “champion” catalogs represented by WMG.
That will involve “crafting and leading campaigns for the company’s off-roster catalog” across both recorded music and publishing rights.
Warner added that she will also support the company’s M&A team in “purchasing catalogs and attracting estate management opportunities”, as WMG “steps up its acquisitions activity”.
Lee-Fisher’s appointment arrives two weeks after we learned that WMG and private investment giant Bain Capital are launching a $1.2 billion joint venture to acquire “legendary” music catalogs across both recorded music and music publishing.
Lee-Fisher joins WMG from Universal Music Group, where she worked for more than 20 years, serving in a variety of roles, including General Manager of Polydor Records and Managing Director of A&M Records.
Most recently, she was EVP, Global Marketing and worked across campaigns for superstar artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Sir Elton John.
Lee-Fisher will be based in London, reporting jointly to Kevin Gore, President, Global Catalog, Recorded Music, Warner Music, and Carianne Marshall & Guy Moot, Co-Chairs of Warner Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of WMG.
She will work with WMG’s recorded music and music publishing teams to “drive prioritization, strategy, and alignment on key artists and songwriters, with a focus on creative storytelling and IP development,” the company said on Tuesday.
Tuesday’s statement from WMG also explained that Lee-Fisher will “create impactful campaigns that drive cultural conversations, promoting some of the world’s greatest catalogs to both new and longstanding fans, while identifying and growing new revenue sources for artists, songwriters, and their estates”.
“In this unique role, she’ll help deliver meaningful opportunities for our artists and songwriters and unlock new value for the world-class catalogs in our care.”
Kevin Gore
Commenting on Lee-Fisher’s appointment, Kevin Gore said: “Orla is a hugely respected figure, and has led inventive, ambitious projects for some of the world’s biggest acts, connecting their music to new audiences.
“In this unique role, she’ll help deliver meaningful opportunities for our artists and songwriters and unlock new value for the world-class catalogs in our care.”
“We’re delighted that Orla is joining WMG at this pivotal time in the evolution of our catalog offering.”
Carianne Marshall & Guy Moot
Carianne Marshall & Guy Moot, added: “We’re delighted that Orla is joining WMG at this pivotal time in the evolution of our catalog offering.
“She’s renowned for her innovative campaigns and committed to our vision of a dynamic service for our artists and songwriters who trust us with both their publishing and recorded music rights.”
“Where recorded music and publishing rights overlap, Warner Music Group has made the strategic decision to manage its artists and songwriters’ catalogs more holistically.”
Orla Lee-Fisher
Orla Lee-Fisher said: “Where recorded music and publishing rights overlap, Warner Music Group has made the strategic decision to manage its artists and songwriters’ catalogs more holistically.
“This has the potential to be a game changer for the way we drive engagement in their music and convert new audiences into fans. I can’t wait to get started.”Music Business Worldwide
