The man widely acknowledged as the head of VEVO UK, Jonathan Lewis, has left the online music video company due to restructuring.
Lewis, MD (sales & operations) at the company, departs VEVO UK alongside commercial director Jonathan Lewen.
Confusingly, VEVO claims the move is part of an ‘expansion’ of the UK business. Nic Jones, VEVO’s SVP of international, now becomes responsible for all operations in the UK alongside his current role. The UK office will now report into Jones.
Jon Lewis joined VEVO in 2011, following a 15-year stint at Channel Five, where he was most recently digital director.
He ran digital media and commercial partnerships for both Channel 5 and Northern & Shell Group’s online assets OK!, Star, New and the Express Group Newspapers. Lewis also developed Channel Five’s video on demand service. Before his tenure at Channel 5, the exec was sales manager at UK Gold.
David Kohl, VEVO’s EVP, sales and customer operations, stated: “I want to thank both Jon Lewis and Jon Lewen for their contributions to VEVO. As a result of their efforts, we are now in a strong position to take our brand marketing partnerships to the next level.”
However, Jones suggested sales was becoming a less important revenue stream for VEVO.
“When we launched VEVO in the UK just over one year ago, we were very focused on the sales side of the business and growing VEVO’s revenue through brand partnerships,” he stated. “While sales is a core focus, our business in this important market has expanded quickly in all areas – content & programming, business development, ad operations and finance & administration.
“As in the US, it’s important that VEVO build a lasting scalable business whilst always responding to our customer’s needs by creating UK specific repertoire and partnerships. To this end, we’ve created over 20 episodes of original music programming and live events featuring artists like Jessie J, Kasabian, Rita Ora, Labrinth and Usher to name a few. These innovative programs have helped create a powerful new music brand in the UK reaching roughly 10 million viewers each month. As we forge ahead, we look to grow our business and build 360 music partnerships in the broadcast and cable arena as well as complimentary consumer lifestyle outlets.”
Music Week
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