February 01, 2007

By By Lars Brandle, London

EMI Classics president Costa Pilavachi has reorganized the label's executive structure, less than a year after joining the firm from Decca Music Group.

Company veteran Alain Lanceron, president of Virgin Classics and director of EMI Classics France, is to extend his responsibilities across both labels and will take on the additional role of vice president of A&R with EMI Classics.

In a statement, Pilavachi pays tribute to Lanceron as "without question the most admired and respected A&R executive in the classical recording industry."

Lanceron's promotion comes as Theo Lap, VP, international marketing and A&R at EMI Classics, ends a 10-year tenure at the label. He is due to step aside at the end of February.

"We are very grateful to Theo for his substantial contribution during a particularly challenging time in our industry and he leaves EMI Classics with our warmest wishes for success in his future endeavours," comments Pilavachi in a statement.

EMI Classics' marketing directors under Lap will report to Pilavachi until further notice.

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