Respected industry executive Darina Connolly has been appointed by Warner Music as the new managing director of UK record label Rhino.
Warner also confirmed today (November 11) that after ten years with the company, the former Rhino UK general manager Tom Gallagher has left the company to move to Scotland with his family and “moves away with everyone’s best wishes”.
Connolly will report directly to Dirk Ewald, senior vice president of global catalog at Warner Music, and will report to Isabel Garvey, chief operating officer of WMUK.
Connolly most recently served as head of music partnerships Tik TokJoined the company in 2020 as head of label partnerships.
In her new role at Rhino UK, she will be responsible for overseeing and leading marketing activities for branded artists, including David Bowie, Enya, Fleetwood Mac, Joy Division, Madonna, Prince and Tina turner.
Warner noted that Rhino UK had a strong year, with successful releases from David Bowie and Fleetwood Mac, as well as campaigns for Alphaville and Madonna “enhancing the deep catalogue”.
Prior to joining TikTok, Connolly worked as UK and Ireland Music Partnerships Manager apple musichelped launch the Apple Music platform in 2015, and booked performances at the Apple Music Festival.
She has also held the following roles: sony music and MTV, working with artists such as AC/DC, Foo Fighters, Gossip, John Legend and Kings of Leon.
Warner said Connolly is a “strong advocate for diversity and inclusion” and has led multiple initiatives throughout her career aimed at increasing the representation of LGBTQIA+ people in the music industry.
While at Apple Music, she developed the Elevate program to promote emerging LGBTQIA+ artists, conceived the #queersounds campaign on the TikTok platform, and led the company’s Pride program in the UK.
In 2024, she was named a recipient of Billboard’s Music Industry Pride List.
“Rhino UK is home to some of the most recognized songs and most successful artists, so I’m honored to take on this new role.”
Darina Connolly
Darina Connolly said: “Rhino UK is home to some of the most recognized songs and most successful artists of all time, so I’m honored to take on this new role.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of viral moments and innovative marketing campaigns that have brought classic tracks back into the public consciousness and new audiences. I hope to help create more opportunities to breathe new life into our iconic songs. life.
“Catalog continues to play an extremely important role in our business, so we must fully coordinate and collaborate across the company.”
Dirk Ewald
Dirk Ewald added: “Catalog continues to play an extremely important role in our business, so we must fully coordinate and collaborate across the entire company.
“I very much look forward to working with Darina as Rhino UK continues to oversee the incredible artists and their music we commission at Warner Music.”
“I am delighted that we have been able to hire such an experienced and passionate leader to run Rhino UK.”
Isabel Garvey
Isabel Garvey added: “I’m delighted that we have been able to hire such an experienced and passionate leader to run Rhino UK. The way people discover catalog music is always changing and Darina has been driving the most exciting trends and artists and platforms at the forefront of cultural moments.
“It’s truly exciting to have her at the helm of Rhino, using her expertise and knowledge to help our most legendary artists reach new audiences.”
global music business
