Defected Records hires James Kirkham as Chief Business Officer | Music Business Worldwide

UK-based independent music company Defected Records, which turned 20 last year, has hired James Kirkham as Chief Business Officer.

He will oversee all social, content, marketing and PR activations in his role at Defected.

Making the move to the label from an advertising and marketing background, Kirkham has just concluded four years at the football media company COPA90, where he coordinated partnerships with brands such as Uber, Budweiser, Nike, Pepsi and EA Sports.

He also oversaw a 100% increase in revenue year-on-year at the company, according to the press release announcing his appointment.

Kirkham co-founded digital agency Holler in 2001, which was behind the marketing for the UK’s hit E4 TV series Skins.

At COPA90, Kirkham and his team built a vast audience of fans, peaking at 650 million monthly views in 2019.

The exec has also provided insights for news outlets such as The Guardian, CNN, Al Jazeera, Sky News and the BBC.

“A hugely respected record label, now also a media company, we have one of the most engaged audiences and fervent fanbases I’ve ever seen.”

James Kirkham

James Kirkham said: “I’m so excited to be a part of the Defected family. Simon Dunmore and his team are building a new global music business for the 2020s.

“A hugely respected record label, now also a media company, we have one of the most engaged audiences and fervent fanbases I’ve ever seen.

“Combine that with staging truly incredible parties and events worldwide, it makes them the most exciting direct to consumer business in entertainment. I want to help Defected evolve to have even greater impact in this new decade.”

“We see real potential for further growth across all our activities and our platforms, artists and staff will all benefit from James’s experience and vision.  These are exciting times.”

Simon Dunmore

Defected founder Simon Dunmore, added: “We are evolving as a music company into the media space.

“James Kirkham is an acknowledged force within the marketing world and to attract someone of his calibre demonstrates our long-term ambition.

“We see real potential for further growth across all our activities and our platforms, artists and staff will all benefit from James’s experience and vision.  These are exciting times.”

Pictured [Left to Right]: Defected founder and CEO Simon Dunmore, James Kirkham and Defected MD Wez SaundersMusic Business Worldwide

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