EMI Music has announced that UK top man Tony Wadsworth is "stepping down" as part of the ongoing Terra Firma overhaul. In a short statement, the major said Wadsworth's departure was "part of the ongoing restructuring of EMI Music". Terra Firma boss Guy Hands added: "We would all like to thank Tony for his tremendous contribution to EMI over the years and to wish him well for the future". The former UK chief's A&R role will be taken over by Roger Ames, the former Warner Music chief who has been head of EMI Music North America since April last year.

EMI Music has announced that UK top man Tony Wadsworth is "stepping down" as part of the ongoing Terra Firma overhaul. In a short statement, the major said Wadsworth's departure was "part of the ongoing restructuring of EMI Music". Terra Firma boss Guy Hands added: "We would all like to thank Tony for his tremendous contribution to EMI over the years and to wish him well for the future". The former UK chief's A&R role will be taken over by Roger Ames, the former Warner Music chief who has been head of EMI Music North America since April last year.

Wadsworth's more operational responsibilities will be taken over by Mike Clasper, the former airports chief who joined EMI's 'investor board' last November, and who has already assumed the responsibilities of EMI Music's COO Ian Hanson who departed last month. It also appears that EMI have tendered a conditional resignation from trade body IFPI. EMI had previously argued that it didnt see the need for so many trade associations (including the RIAA in the US, BPI in the UK and IFPI globally). In other EMI news, EMI Music Publishing has announced the appointment of Declan Morrell, former SVP of A&R at the publisher's UK division, to the role of Senior VP East Coast Creative at the company's US business. The new role will see Morrell move to New York.