EMI Group Reviews

Pros

The involvement in great bands, free CDS and a challenging time for the industry

People who worked there were amazingly creative, diverse, fun and interesting - at all levels

Cons

At the time management was autocratic and heavily focused on the top line. Also it seemed very difficult to break into the US market, despite the history of Capitol Records - I still don't understand why they never had more than 2 or 3 superstars in the US.

Advice to Senior Management

It's all changed now, but I would have said they should operate in reality rather than their fantasy of ever-increasing sales of physical product

Pros

Casual dress code. Extra week vacation between Christmas and New Years. Early close of business on Fridays during summer. Exclusive artist showcases for employees.

Cons

While the threat of being downsized is ever present, there is no possibility of movement within the company. 3 years between token cost of living raises. 4 years between reviews. Many areas require a thorough knowledge of institutional history but employees with that knowledge leave or are let go and their successors come in cold. Months go by without open positions being filled resulting in the survivors being stretched beyond their competency. Management think they're entitled to the rudest and most unprofessional behavior toward subordinates.

Advice to Senior Management

You're in a dying business. Stop behaving as if you live in a pre-Napster world. EMI could disappear from the face of the earth and no one would notice or care. Be sure to keep your resumes up to date and get ready to face the same struggles you've visited on so many of your employees for so long.