Innocent chief steps down but retains key A&R role.(News)

EMI has confirmed that Hugh Goldsmith is to step down as managing director of Innocent Records at the end of the year.

Goldsmith, who has turned the company into one of the UK's most successful pop imprints since launching the operation, will he retained by EMI as a consultant, continuing to A&R projects such as Blue, Atomic Kitten, Javine and Speedway.

EMI Recorded Music chairman and CEO Tony Wadsworth says Goldsmith's departure from the end of 2003, which follows more than a year of discussions, is perfectly amicable.

"We have struck a deal which really works, for both of us. It works for us because it gives us continuity for the artists," he says. "Hugh has had great success over the past few years, which we have turned into international success as well with Blue and Atomic Kitten. This deal means that we continue working together while Hugh is able to strike out and Start his new entity."

Goldsmith says he is not able to unveil his new operation just yet, but says details are likely to follow by early next year.

He says, "My new business will be a group of companies incorporating recordings, publishing, ...