Warner Chappell Music UK (WCM UK) has appointed Annie Christensen as Vice President, Catalogue, the company announced Thursday (September 10).
Christensen joins the United Kingdom-based publishing arm of Warner Music Group after a two-decade career in artists and repertoire (A&R) and will report to Shani Gonzales, President of Warner Chappell Music UK.
In the role, Christensen will lead catalogue acquisition and rights management strategy for WCM UK, sourcing new business and working to maximize the commercial and cultural value of the company’s song portfolio.
Her remit includes identifying music assets, building relationships with songwriters, estates and rightsholders, and delivering catalogue initiatives alongside the A&R, Creative, Sync and Business Affairs teams. The position sits within WCM UK’s catalogue operation, separate from its frontline A&R signings.
Career background#
Christensen spent 20 years at Island Records, starting as a work experience placement and marketing intern before rising from A&R Assistant to co-Head of A&R.
During that period she worked with acts including Busted, The Feeling, The Fratellis, Keane and McFly, and signed and developed Ben Howard, FLO, Hozier, Mumford & Sons and Sigrid.
Since 2023, Christensen has worked as a freelance A&R consultant, collaborating with labels across Universal Music Group, the parent of Island Records, as well as independents and management companies.
Her recent projects include:
- Self Esteem’s A Complicated Woman
- Cian Ducrot’s Little Dreaming
- Girli’s it’s just my opinion
- Luna’s Fairy Pop
She is currently working with ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus on a new project.
Leadership comment#
“Warner Chappell Music holds one of the most storied songbooks in music history, so it’ll be a huge privilege to help lead the strategy that connects these classic songs to brand new audiences,” said Christensen. “Having spent my career on the frontlines of A&R, I’ve gained a unique perspective on what truly resonates with fans. I’m excited to apply that creative lens to championing timeless songs and driving new catalog opportunities.”
Gonzales said: “As we continue to expand our catalog footprint, Annie’s deep creative instincts, strategic foresight, and understanding of the global market will be invaluable. She has a fantastic track record in identifying culture-shifting talent and will unlock fresh and exciting opportunities for our incredible heritage.”
Recent Warner Chappell moves#
The appointment follows a series of senior hires and promotions at Warner Chappell.
- Gabz Landman was promoted to Executive Vice President, A&R, in August.
- David Goldsen was promoted to Executive Vice President, A&R in July.
- Soraib el Jalali was named Head of A&R, Benelux, and Julian Franzoni was named General Manager for Argentina and Uruguay in June.
The appointment also comes amid new publishing deals. In September, Warner Chappell struck a global deal with France’s Kidding Aside, as the electronic music indie launched a publishing venture with Nicolas Klersy as Partner. The publisher also signed Grammy winner Claudia Brant to a global publishing deal in April.
