London-based independent creative music rights company Bella Figura Music, is pushing into the US market with the appointment of veteran music executive Gary Gersh as chairman and a new global administration deal with Sony Music Publishing.
The company, founded by former BMG UK President Alexi Cory-Smith, says that it has deployed close to $160 million on acquiring publishing and recording rights.
Its catalog includes works such as Joan Jett‘s I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll, The Human League‘s Don’t You Want Me, and Robbie Williams’ Angels, among many others. The portfolio also features compositions performed by Adele, Amy Winehouse and Kylie Minogue, along with the RAK Music Publishing repertoire.
Gersh brings years of industry experience to the role. He previously served as President of Global Touring at AEG, CEO of Capitol Records, founder of The Artists Organization, and a partner at Geffen Records, where he signed Nirvana, Sonic Youth, and Counting Crows. He also founded The Artists Organization, a management company.
At Bella Figura Music, he’ll advise on global strategy and high-level partnerships while the company establishes operations in Los Angeles. Gersh joins a leadership team that includes Cory-Smith as CEO and Co-Founder Neelesh Prabhu as Chief Investment Officer. Prabhu oversees the firm’s investment strategy.
Under the Sony Music Publishing agreement also announced Monday (November 3), the publishing giant will handle worldwide administration for Bella Figura’s songwriters and catalogs. Sony Music Publishing UK will manage the administrative work while connecting Bella Figura’s songwriters and catalogs to Sony‘s global network. The deal includes collaboration with Sony’s sync and licensing division to place songs in film, TV, video games, advertising and brand campaigns.
“With our friends and partners at Sony Music Publishing now administering our catalog worldwide, our songs and writers have the global infrastructure and sync horsepower to realize their full potential.”
Alexi Cory-Smith, Bella Figura Music
Cory-Smith said: “Gary’s track record at the very top of our business—across labels, management, and global touring—speaks for itself and his artist-centric ethos makes him the ideal partner as we expand into the US. And with our friends and partners at Sony Music Publishing now administering our catalog worldwide, our songs and writers have the global infrastructure and sync horsepower to realize their full potential.”
Gersh added: “Bella Figura is building the modern gold standard for catalogue stewardship—artist-first, creatively engaged, and relentlessly focused on quality. Alexi and Neelesh have assembled a remarkable portfolio and team. I’m thrilled to help guide the company’s next chapter, where we’ll deepen partnerships, unlock new creative opportunities, and champion the songs and recordings that continue to define culture.”
“I’m thrilled to help guide the company’s next chapter, where we’ll deepen partnerships, unlock new creative opportunities, and champion the songs and recordings that continue to define culture.”
Gary Gersh, Bella Figura Music
David Ventura, President & Co-Managing Director, UK, SVP International A&R, Sony Music Publishing, also commented on the partnership, saying: “We are fortunate to be in business with Bella Figura, and we all feel very excited to have been selected by Alexi to represent globally a truly unique catalog with only exceptional songwriters and songs.”
“This is a key collaboration for us after an important period of discussions as it embodies the level of state-of-the-art services that we offer here at SMP.”
David Ventura, Sony Music Publishing
“This is a key collaboration for us after an important period of discussions as it embodies the level of state-of-the-art services that we offer here at SMP. We are all looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead as our partnership grows.”
The development comes amid increased deal-making in the music rights market. In September, BMG acquired the recorded music catalog of Country music superstar Jason Aldean. The same month, New York-headquartered Reservoir Media purchased Miles Davis’ music publishing catalog, while Cutting Edge Group bought AMC Studios’ “full portfolio of TV music rights,” adding compositions from hit TV series including The Walking Dead franchise and Anne Rice adaptations to its media music portfolio.
Bella Figura closed “a significant equity funding round” in April 2024 to fund its acquisitions. It secured investments from private equity firm Freshstream, Canadian pension fund OPTrust, a strategic family office and a Dutch private equity investor.
Music Business Worldwide
