Werre out

BREAKING NEWS—WERRE TO LEAVE: EMI Music will announce this morning that Ronn Werre, the highly regarded and well-liked leader of the company’s North American operations, will take his leave. The veteran executive departs with a significant credit in his CV, having guided EMI’s dramatic comeback as a competitive force, overcoming the most challenging circumstances that any ranking music executive has ever faced. With no A&R to speak of—which is akin to going into ther boxing ring with one hand tied behind your back—Werre and his executive team, including right-hand man Dominic Pandiscia, Capitol Music Group stalwarts Greg Thompson and Angelica Cob-Baehler and Capitol Nashville chief Mike Dungan, have had smashing success with Katy Perry and Lady Antebellum, while growing marketshare to the point where EMI is neck-and-neck with WMG. Nonetheless, Werre and new EMI Group overall head Roger Faxon were never able to get on the same page, according to insiders. For now, COO Colin Finkelstein will take over Werre’s responsibilities. Will he be named the permanent head of N.A., and if not, whom will Faxon choose? Werre’s exit was confirmed by EMI East Coast HQ. (9/7a)