WARNER MUSIC U.K. SHAKES UP FIREPIT LEADERSHIP

Warner Music U.K. has poached top Channel 4 creative team Chris Bovill and John Allison (pictured, right) to lead its year-old creative content and production studio, The Firepit. The duo will be developing a host of visual content for Warners’ roster of artists, while Brian Murnin (below) joins from Vice as SVP, Business Development.

Previous Firepit content unit leader Stefan Demetriou is leaving to pursue a new role later this year.

All three execs report to Max Lousada, who said: “In an always-on world, compelling narratives around music, artists and popular culture have never been more sought after and, having been at the forefront of entertainment for 70 years, Warner Music is uniquely placed to unlock them.

“Chris and John are among the most celebrated creatives of their generation. Their fresh, bold and inventive perspective has helped redefine some of the world’s best-loved brands, while Brian has played an important role in the growth of Vice, one of today's most pioneering media companies. Together, they make an incredibly dynamic team that will accelerate our growth into this exciting space."

Bovill and Allison, who take up their new jobs from late summer, have led Channel 4’s award-winning in-house creative agency 4Creative for five years. Over the course of a 20-year partnership they have produced a host of content in broadcast and advertising for brands from Cadbury to Skoda.

Murnin worked as a senior commercial executive at Vice Media for almost five years and is a founding member of the team behind Clash magazine. He will devise and implement the commercial and distribution strategy around The Firepit's content output.