Orla Lee-Fisher has been named head of dual catalog strategy at Warner Music Group (WMG), a new role that will see her develop and lead campaigns for WMG’s off-roster catalog of both recorded music and publishing rights, the company announced on Tuesday (July 15).
In her new role, Lee-Fisher will work with WMG’s recorded music and publishing teams to “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,” according to a press release. She will additionally support WMG’s mergers & acquisitions team in buying catalogs and luring estate management opportunities.
Based in London, Lee-Fisher will report to Kevin Gore, WMG’s president of global catalog, recorded music, as well as Warner Chappell Music co-chairs Carianne Marshall and Guy Moot.
Lee-Fisher arrives at WMG after more than 20 years at Universal Music Group, where she served as GM of Polydor Records and MD of A&M Records, among other roles. Most recently, she was executive vp of global marketing, working across campaigns for artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Elton John.
“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,” said Gore in a statement. “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.”
Added Marshall and Moot: “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.”
In her own statement, 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.”
Lee-Fisher’s hire follows WMG’s July 1 announcement that it had partnered with Bain Capital to launch a $1.2 billion joint venture to acquire high-profile music catalogs, both recorded music and publishing.