EMI names new boss

Music group EMI has named former ITV boss Charles Allen as executive chairman as the firm battles to improve its fortunes.

The group, which counts Robbie Williams and Coldplay among its artists, said Mr Allen will take on the combined role as current music chief executive Elio Leoni-Sceti prepares to leave at the end of March.

EMI, which is owned by private equity company Terra Firma, has seen its finances strained by difficult trading since it was taken over in 2007.