Alison Wenham joins Chrysalis Records as Chief Operating Officer – Music Business Worldwide

Veteran music industry executive Alison Wenham has joined UK-based Chrysalis Records as Chief Operating Officer.

Chrysalis – arguably one of the most influential and iconic labels in the history of recorded music – re-launched as a front line label in February 2020 six months after New York-based rights company Reservoir struck a deal to bring Blue Raincoat Music and its subsidiary, recorded music company Chrysalis, into its portfolio of offerings.

Founded in 1968, Chrysalis broke and developed some of the biggest artists throughout the ’70s and ’80s, including Jethro Tull, Billy Idol, Blondie, Pat Benatar, Huey Lewis and the News, Ultravox, Sinead O’Connor, The Specials and The Waterboys among many others.

Wenham founded and was the CEO/Chairman of UK Trade Association AIM from 1999-2016.

She joins the senior team led by Chrysalis Records/Blue Raincoat CEO Jeremy Lascelles and Chairman Robin Millar.

Since operating under the Reservoir umbrella in 2019, the business says that it has delivered “increasingly impressive results and accelerated growth”.

The label’s marquee signings include Laura Marling, Emeli Sandé, and Liz Phair, among others.

As well as founding and chairing AIM, Wenham was the founding CEO of WIN, the Worldwide Independent Network. Wenham stepped down as Chief Executive of WIN in December 2018.

Earlier in her career, Wenham was the Managing Director and shareholder of UK-based independent distributor and record company Conifer Records, and after selling to BMG in 1993, became Managing Director of BMG Conifer until 1998.

She was awarded an OBE in 2010 for Services to the Creative Industries, The Order of Arts and Letters from the French Government in 2014 and was recognised for Outstanding Contribution at the annual Women in Music Awards in 2017.

“I know she will be a fantastic and transformative addition to the team as we continue the growth and expansion of the company.”

Jeremy Lascelles

Jeremy Lascelles said: “I was fortunate enough to work closely with Alison when I served on the Board of AIM. She is one of the smartest people I have ever met in the music business and a true champion for independent music.

“I have always wanted to find an opportunity for us to work together again, so am particularly delighted that the time is now.

“I know she will be a fantastic and transformative addition to the team as we continue the growth and expansion of the company.”

“My heartland is the independent sector, and this company is one of its leaders.”

Alison Wenham

Alison Wenham added: “I’m very happy to be joining Jeremy, Robin, and the team at Chrysalis/Blue Raincoat.

“My heartland is the independent sector, and this company is one of its leaders. With impressive plans for the future, I’m joining at a hugely exciting time for the company.”

 Music Business Worldwide