Rebecca Allen appointed as label president for Virgin EMI rebrand

The UK’s No.1 record company Virgin EMI, is embarking on a new chapter. The Virgin Records imprint will carry on under the EMI banner and in succession a new president has been anointed – Rebecca Allen.

Allen is a renowned label boss, who has left behind a legacy built upon working her way up from press to executive at Decca Records. She first became a label president in 2017 which landed her the title of Universal’s first female label president in addition to one of the highest-ranked female executive recorded in the UK music business.

Now, the female powerhouse will take on the challenge of reimagining the legendary EMI label, which was obtained by Universal in a merger between Mercury Records and Virgin Records in 2013.

In a statement, Universal Music Group chairman & CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge said: “Growing up in London, EMI was the most iconic brand in British music,”

“When we acquired the company, we committed to new investment, innovation, creativity and, of course, leadership. Not only have we delivered on that promise, but we continue to position EMI for the future.”

Continuing he explained the decision to anoint Allen, “The appointment of Becky Allen is a testament to our long-term commitment, and our adamance that the EMI name will mean as much to a new generation of artists and fans as it did for mine. Becky is such a strong leader – creatively and commercially – and has the values, dedication and acumen to keep EMI as the unquestioned home for some of the UK’s greatest talent.”