Believe Announces New Music Publishing Division Led by Chris Meehan
Building on its successful acquisition of Sentric Music Group, Believe, a notable French music company, has ventured into the music publishing arena with the introduction of Believe Music Publishing. The announcement was made on October 6th, marking a significant expansion in Believe’s service offerings.
Background of Believe’s Expansion
Believe’s journey into music publishing began with its strategic acquisition of the U.K.-based Sentric Music Group, which was previously part of Utopia Music. This move, which was finalized for approximately €47 million ($51 million), brought over four million songs and 400,000 songwriters from over 200 regions under Believe’s umbrella. Sentric, founded in 2006 by Chris Meehan, added substantial value to Believe’s portfolio, setting the stage for this new division.
Leadership at Believe Music Publishing
Assuming the role of CEO at Believe Music Publishing, Chris Meehan is set to steer the division towards innovative growth. With his profound background in music management, Meehan will oversee a team of 160 publishing professionals. The team is structured to focus on various strategic areas including creative services, synchronization, and revenue optimization.
Global Leadership Team
The newly formed publishing wing has also announced the appointment of several key executives across global territories:
- Ismaël Kané, former head of BlueSky’s publishing in France, will lead operations in France.
- Alexandra Ziem, who was the director of creative at Sony/ATV, will take over as head of the German division.
- Sunil Gursahani, previously with Tips Music, is appointed the head for India and South Asia.
- Chris Dampier, known for his roles at BMI and TuneCore Publishing, will manage North American operations.
- Monthira Tunthagadh, a veteran from GMM Grammy, will serve as A&R manager for Southeast Asia.
Strategic Goals and Vision
Believe Music Publishing is set to capitalize on the digital transformation in music collection and rights management. With the global publishing market flourishing, exceeding €4 billion after consistent double-digit growth, Believe is strategically positioned to leverage these market dynamics. CEO Denis Ladegaillerie emphasized that this initiative would enhance Believe’s integrated offerings, further enriching its role in the global music industry.
Chris Meehan’s Vision for the Future
Chris Meehan expressed excitement about leading Believe Music Publishing, highlighting the strategic use of innovative technologies and partnerships with CMOs and DSPs to drive growth. He is confident that the division’s unique model and expert team will establish Believe as a formidable player in the global publishing landscape.
Believe Music Publishing already boasts an impressive roster of artists including Djo, Eli & Fur, and Don Broco, pointing towards a promising future in nurturing and showcasing exceptional musical talent.