iTunes exec Luke leaves Apple for EMI

Apple’s iTunes director of global music initiatives Alex Luke has left the company to join U.K.-based major EMI. According to a 9 to 5 Mac report, Luke will serve as an executive vice president of A&R with EMI’s Capitol & Virgin Label Group, and will be based in Los Angeles. Luke joined Apple in 2003, and during his tenure was responsible the launch of the “Live From” series of live performances held at Apple’s retail stores, as well as the iTunes Originals series and the Single of the Week programs. In his new position, Luke will report directly to Dan McCarroll, the recently-appointed President of the Capitol & Virgin Label Group in North America. “Alex is simply one of the best music people I’ve had the privilege of working with,” said McCarroll in a statement. “He has a great understanding of what it takes to have a hit and to sustain success, and he is able to work in partnership with artists to deliver the positive outcomes that they truly deserve.”