SYDNEY, Australia (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Industry veteran John O'Donnell has returned to EMI Australia to serve as managing director of the company now that it is operating as a part of Universal Music. O’Donnell was formerly the Managing Director of EMI in Australia from 2002 to 2008.
O'Donnell got his start in the industry as a music journalist, serving as the music editor of both Rolling Stone and Juice Magazine before moving on to a post with Sony Music Australia in 1994.
O'Donnell also founded the indie label Murmur, which signed signed Silverchair, Something For Kate and Jebediah.
In addition to his work with labels, O'Donnell also has experience as a manager, co-managing influential Australian rock band Cold Chisel with John Watson and helping to oversee their 2011 Australia/New Zealand Tour, as well as earning an executive producer credit on their album 'They Will Have Their Way'.
O'Donnell will be based on the company's Sydney offices and will be up and running by March 4th.
"Everyone who has ever worked with John knows that he is synonymous with great artists and great music. Developing and investing further in our Australian artists is a key international goal for us. I’m thrilled that John has agreed to return to EMI to play such a crucial role," Max Hole, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group International noted in a statement. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
