Bella Figura Music targets US with Sony deal, Gersh hire
London-based music rights firm Bella Figura Music has tapped industry veteran Gary Gersh as chairman while securing a worldwide administration partnership with Sony Music Publishing as part of its American expansion. The company has invested nearly $160 million in acquiring publishing and recording rights since its launch by former BMG UK President Alexi Cory-Smith.
Gersh previously led global touring at AEG, ran Capitol Records and founded The Artists Organization management company. He signed Nirvana, Sonic Youth and Counting Crows during his time as a partner at Geffen Records. The executive will guide strategy and high-level partnerships from Los Angeles while working alongside Cory-Smith and Chief Investment Officer Neelesh Prabhu.
Sony Music Publishing will handle administrative duties for Bella Figura’s songwriters and catalog holdings through its UK office. The arrangement connects the portfolio to Sony’s international network and sync licensing division for placements in film, television, video games and advertisements. Bella Figura’s collection features Joan Jett’s I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll, The Human League’s Don’t You Want Me and compositions performed by Adele, Amy Winehouse and Kylie Minogue. The firm secured funding from private equity firm Freshstream and Canadian pension fund OPTrust during an April 2024 financing round.
