Saunders to become CEO of Defected

WEZ SAUNDERS will be the new CEO of British independent record label Defected.

Saunders, former Managing Director at Defected, acquired the record label on 29 July for an undisclosed sum. 

Launched in 1999 by founder SIMON DUNMORE, Defected specialises in house music recordings, compilation albums, events, publishing, artist booking and management.

Dunmore will remain working alongside Saunders as A&R consultant. The pair have worked together since 2014.  

Saunders said he is grateful to Dunmore for his ongoing mentorship and trust in continuing his legacy.

“It is our intention alongside partners, associates, talent and staff to preserve the culture and values that built such a powerful community of artists and fans, while driving the business into a new era of investment, impact and expansion,” he added.

On Saunder’s appointment, Dunmore said: “All captains need a first mate, a leader to steady the ship and lead the crew. Wez Saunders has been my right-hand man for eight years. Together, we have navigated Defected into prolific times, helping build an incredible team and a business with solid foundations due to its treasure chest of masters and publishing catalogues.”

Defected is reporting its most successful year to date, accumulating 2.4 billion global streams and selling over 600,000 tickets to more than 300 events.

“Dance music is in the ascendancy and a rising tide lifts all the boats. These are exciting times and I’ll continue to be part of Defected’s campaigns, but now I am delighted to be handing over the helm to Wez, who alongside our new partners will guide Defected into new fertile waters. A new era,” Dunmore added.