Colin Lester has Global Goal for Universal’s Artist Management Plans
July 28, 2010
Colin Lester, the newly-installed CEO of Universal’s management business Twenty First Artists, says the major wants to become a global force in artist management, with plans to establish a New York office and a producer management business.
Lester, whose exisitng CLM Entertainment operation will be merged into Twenty First, replaces Frank Presland, whose contract with the Universal subsidiary expired at the same time as that of it’s most high profile artist, Elton John in March.
“Universal are serious about becoming a major player in management – i wouldn’t have agreed the deal otherwise, ” Lester says of the move. “I’ve got my own ideas about how to achieve that, so it’s a great challenge and one I’m already enjoying.”
Lester’s CLM operation includes long-term client Craig David, while Twenty First looks after platinum-selling stars such as Lily Allen and James Blunt. However, the new CEO is reluctant to talk about the company’s roster, as his review of the business will include making decisions on the future representation of certain artists.
“I’ll be making changes and restructuring Twenty First Artists, but it’s too early to talk about any of that at the moment because it is a complex organisation with lots of deals in place both here and internationally,” says Lester.
But he has definite ideas about the direction he wants to take the business in and reveals that he will be working closely with Universal’s Lucian Grainge and Max Hole to plan the future of the company.
“The business has changed hugely so I want to look at how we can move it forward so that we can assist established artists and help them to build scale, as well as supporting up-and-coming artists and managers,” he continues.
“Unless we move forward with investment it will become increasingly difficult for managers to succeed so I will be looking to offer investment to artists through buying a percentage of their business – excluding publishing, because as an artist manager i respect that the song is the artist’s baby and i don’t want a split of that.”
Among Lester’s immediate priorities are establishing a producer business and setting up a New York office for Twenty First, most likely in Universal’s existing Big Apple premises.
As for his own office, he says he will remain in his exisitng location in the former Virgin Records building at Portobello Dock and Twenty First Artists staff will relocate there following the conclusion of the review.
Whether those employees will include the likes of Lily Allen and James Blunt manager Todd Interland remains to be seen, but Lester comments, “Todd has been very helpful in assisting me to settle in. He’s a great guy and a fantastic manager so we’ll see what he decides is right for his future and of course, best for his acts.”
Music Week – 26th June 2010
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