Compass Management

The company is run by Darren Henderson, the former Senior Vice President of SonyBMG. He grew the departmental profit from £8.5M in 2002 to £40M in 2005. Darren was responsible for the reformation of Take That, the band that are now considered the UK biggest pop act, again! The project led to an award winning ITV documentary. Darren also signed the Live Lounge compilation series which is still Sony Music’s biggest selling compilation brand ever. He also led the marketing for Elvis Presley for 6 years. Darren has worked with a number of International artists including Lou Reed, The Clash and Tony Bennett as well as being responsible for the signing of John Barrowman.

Richard Owen has now joined the Compass team. Richard brings 16 years of experience in corporate development and marketing, both from senior executive roles in large and small financial organisations and as a management consultant. In parallel, he has a passion for music and has established himself as a producer working with several unsigned European acts. He is also a co-founder of the Holophonix audio/visual collective. Over the past eighteen months, he has brought together his interests in music and commerce by becoming involved in the commercial development of music and media-related businesses.

Recommendations

“Darren is a highly ambitious and intelligent young executive, the combination of his attention to detail and his entrepreneurial spirit has been and I’m sure will continue to be, the root of his success.”

April 9, 2008
Dominic Walker, Head of Licensing, BBC.

“Darren is an excellent professional, whose drive and motivation played a huge part in the development of our company. His area of business operated in hugely difficult market conditions, but Darren was able to ensure that his team brought very many projects to successful and very profitable conclusions. He would be huge asset to any organisation.”

May 16, 2008
Paul Bursche, Comms Director, Sony BMG

“Entrepreneurial manager, bursting with ideas and a lot of common sense.”

May 16, 2008
John Burgers, marketing director, worked with Darren at Sony BMG

“I first met Darren before leaving the UK to run HMV in Australia, over 10 years ago. I worked closely with him then, and more recently since my return to UK. He is hard working and a true professional. He understands the entertainment industry intimately having gained extensive experience right at the practical, cutting edge. He is trustworthy and great fun too - I have no hesitation in recommending him.”

April 23, 2008
John Hazell, Commercial Director, Jack Brand
 with another company when working with Darren at SonyBMG

“Darren is a very talented individual. He is very result focused and a quick thinker. His drive and determination is a great asset, as is his desire to learn.”

April 15, 2008
Rob Hayes, Managing Director, Excel Communications

“During my time working with Darren I always found his approach to be positive, helpful and professional. I admired him as a committed, hard-working and focused person with a passion and a drive to achieve.”

April 14, 2008
Paul Martin, VP Finance, SonyBMG.

“Richard’s success at Higham Dunnett Shaw is unquestionable and he was able to get total buy-in to a very demanding programme, which in turn resulted in a demonstrable ROI when the company was sold to Capita. He is a delight to work with and a real team player, making sure that successes are acknowledged and rewarded and that any issues are dealt with in a fair and equitable manner.”

Diana Soltmann, Chief Executive, Flagship PR

“Richard was inspirational and transformed the way we did things. He oversaw the re-branding and re-positioning of the company with great success. He was an integral part of the strategy team and contributed at the highest level. As well as his undoubted creative skills, he brought to the role a sound understanding of the sector as well as his personal experience as a management consultant. I would not hesitate to recommend him to future employers.” Jocelyn Blackwell, CEO, Higham Dunnett Shaw plc