When Billboard arrived at EMI’s famed Capitol Tower in Hollywood to interview new recorded music CEO Elio Leoni-Sceti, we got a surprise: joining Leoni-Sceti were president of A&R for North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland Nick Gatfield and EMI’s worldwide president of digital Douglas Merrill. As the three lounged on couches in Leoni-Sceti’s U.S. office, they spoke with candor about the changes taking place at EMI.

And why not? For the first time in years, EMI appears to have some meaningfully good news to celebrate. During the six months ending Sept. 30, EMI Music posted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of £59 million ($88 million), swinging from a loss of £14 million ($21 million) during the same period last year, helped by stringent cost management and a 37% rise in digital revenue to £102 million ($152 million).

On Nov. 7, Leoni-Sceti announced the company would be reorganized into three new business units: catalog; music services, which will focus on sales, licensing and brand partnerships; and new music. This last unit includes Gatfield and Merrill, but its president will be Leoni-Sceti himself.

This last bit of news raised eyebrows, considering that the veteran marketing and branding executive had no prior music experience when he assumed the helm of EMI in September. Leoni-Sceti says the move is aimed at highlighting the importance of new music to the label, but adds he’ll leave artist signings to other executives.

“I will definitely not be out in the clubs until four in the morning,” he quips.
Read the interview here