Annie Christensen Named VP of Catalogue at Warner Chappell

Warner Chappell Music UK has appointed Annie Christensen as its Vice President, Catalogue. The announcement was made on September 10, with Christensen reporting directly to WCM UK President Shani Gonzales.

Christensen will lead the UK division's catalog acquisition and rights management strategy. Her role involves sourcing new business and maximizing the commercial and cultural value of the company's song portfolio. She will focus on identifying music assets and building relationships with songwriters, estates, and rightsholders. This catalog operation is distinct from the company's frontline A&R signings.

Career Background

Christensen joins from a two-decade career in A&R, primarily at Island Records. She started there as a work experience placement and marketing intern. She later rose from A&R Assistant to co-Head of A&R. During her tenure, she worked with acts including Busted, The Feeling, The Fratellis, Keane, and McFly. She also signed and developed artists like Ben Howard, FLO, Hozier, Mumford & Sons, and Sigrid.

Since 2023, she has worked as a freelance A&R consultant. Her clients included labels across Universal Music Group, independent labels, and several management companies. Recent projects she consulted on include Self Esteem's A Complicated Woman, Cian Ducrot's Little Dreaming, Girli's it’s just my opinion, and Luna's Fairy Pop. Christensen is currently working with ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus on a new project.

Executive Statements

In a statement, Annie Christensen expressed her enthusiasm for the new role. "Warner Chappell Music holds one of the most storied songbooks in music history, so it’ll be a huge privilege to help lead the strategy that connects these classic songs to brand new audiences," she said. Christensen added that her frontline A&R experience gives her a unique perspective on what resonates with fans.

WCM UK President Shani Gonzales also commented on the hire. "As we continue to expand our catalog footprint, Annie’s deep creative instincts, strategic foresight, and understanding of the global market will be invaluable," Gonzales stated. She praised Christensen's track record in identifying talent, saying it would "unlock fresh and exciting opportunities for our incredible heritage."

Company Context

The appointment is part of a series of senior moves at Warner Chappell. The publisher promoted Gabz Landman to Executive Vice President, A&R, in August. In July, it promoted David Goldsen to the same title. Other recent appointments include naming Soraib el Jelali as Head of A&R for Benelux and Julian Franzoni as General Manager for Argentina and Uruguay in June.

The hire also coincides with new publishing deals. This month, Warner Chappell struck a global deal with French electronic music indie Kidding Aside, which is launching a publishing venture with Nicolas Klersy as Partner. In April, the publisher signed Grammy winner Claudia Brant to a global publishing deal.