Simon Perry has been named President and Head of A&R, North America, at Sentric Music Group, signaling what the independent publisher says is its full entry into the US market.
In the two newly created roles, Perry will establish Sentric’s operations in North America, hiring staff in all major U.S. markets with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, Miami and the Midwest, Sentric said.
Perry will join Sentric’s leadership team, reporting directly to CEO Chris Meehan.
He is responsible for developing the company’s global footprint and creating a North American network of industry leaders to lead Sentric’s growth in the region, the company explains.
Sentric says Perry will help build its broader abilities to identify and develop tech artists.
Perry began his career as a BMG signed artist, later signing a publishing deal with Steve Mac, and went on to become a multi-platinum writer and producer.
In the UK he had three No. 1 albums and seven Top 20 singles, writing and producing pop groups such as Westlife and Sandi Thom, solo releases for members of Busted, Blue, Steps and Atomic Kitten, and indie rock bands including The Echo And The Bunnymen’s 11th Studio Album, Fountain.
As an executive, he founded the licensing initiative Archangel Media together with Maria Alonte of Nettwerk.
He assumed the role of Chief Creative Officer and Head of A&R in 2015 on the American artist services platform ReverbNation, recently acquired by BandLab.
At ReverbNation, Perry oversaw all rights, licensing, trademarks, and A&R initiatives.
He also designed, built and led the company’s data-driven platform used to identify emerging artists by major and independent labels, publishers, festivals and brands.
Perry’s appointment follows a year of Sentric expanding into electronic music.
In 2021, the company partnered with XL Recordings co-founder Nick Halkes, and in July acquired a stake in Black Rock, an electronic music publishing company, co-founded by the former CEO of the AFEM, Mark Lawrence.
In 2020, Sentric also signed a direct licensing agreement with electronic music download platform Beatport.
“[perry] brings with it a unique blend of technological expertise and a deep understanding of the creative needs of our writers and artists.
Chris Meehan, Sentric
Chris Meehan, CEO of Sentric Music Group, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Simon to the team as he is the ideal candidate to begin building on the foundations of our US operations, which represents a milestone in the next stage of our international growth.
“After working with him for some time as a partner, it was obvious to me that his work ethic and values were a perfect match for Sentric.
“With experience as both an artist, writer/producer and executive, he brings with him a unique blend of technological expertise and a deep understanding of the creative needs of our writers and artists.
“I look forward to honing this skill set to further our commitment to identifying and developing early career artists.”
“[Perry] has an excellent track record of developing artists, and his sales career speaks for itself.
Peter McCamley, Sentric
Peter McCamley, Creative Director of Sentric, added: “I have known Simon as a writer and producer since he came to Windswept through a partnership with Steve Mac.
“He has an excellent track record in developing artists and his sales career speaks for itself.
“We’ve also been following his work as a creative executive, and no one understands the space around tech-driven artist discovery like him, I’m absolutely certain he’ll bring a host of exciting opportunities. for the company and our customers.”
“I’m excited to join Sentric, especially at a time when technology is creating both challenges and opportunities in publishing.”
Simon Perry
Simon Perry said, “I am delighted to join Sentric, especially at a time when technology is creating both challenges and opportunities in publishing.
“As a company, Sentric seems particularly well equipped to address both of these issues.
“I’ve worked with Chris for over a decade as a business partner, so I know how good he and the team are at what they do.
“I also know Pete from my days as a writer at Windswept, and I know firsthand that he’s the best a writer could want in an editor.”The music industry around the world
