EMI general counsel Chris Ancliff has resigned from the company to join its great rival Warner Music. He is currently understood to be on gardening leave.
EMI general counsel Chris Ancliff has resigned from the company to join its great rival Warner Music. He is currently understood to be on gardening leave.
Ancliff joined EMI as associate general counsel in 2002 following nine years at Polygram and became general counsel in 2007. During his time at EMI the company was involved in a bid and counter-bid from Warner Music before being taken over by Terra Firma.
At EMI Ancliff used Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner Mark Rawlinson and Mayer Brown partner Paul Maher for corporate advice. Other firms included Addleshaw Goddard, Clifford Chance, Latham & Watkins and Russells Solicitors.
Warner Music is understood to have used Herbert Smith and Olswang among others.
Ancliff’s move comes as the music industry faces unprecedented turmoil. Issues include the extension of the term of copyright in Europe and internet piracy.
