Muhammad Ibadurrohman
The music industry is mourning the unexpected passing of Alexi Cory-Smith, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the London-based catalog firm Bella Figura Music, and a distinguished former executive at BMG’s U.K. division. Cory-Smith, a visionary leader who shaped significant parts of the modern music business, died on Friday, July 3, at the age of 58. Her death was announced by Bella Figura Music, the company she meticulously built from the ground up, in a statement that underscored her profound impact and unwavering commitment to the industry.
A Legacy Remembered: Bella Figura Music’s Heartfelt Announcement
Bella Figura Music, a firm renowned for its acquisition and management of rights across music publishing and recordings, released a poignant statement on Friday, July 3, confirming Cory-Smith’s sudden and unexpected demise. "We are devastated to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our co-founder and CEO, Alexi Cory-Smith," the company conveyed via an official statement, which was also shared on their Instagram. The statement lauded her instrumental role in establishing Bella Figura Music, highlighting her unique blend of vision and passion cultivated over a successful career spanning several decades in the music industry.
"Her leadership, creativity, and unwavering commitment to our team and our work leaves a lasting legacy," the firm affirmed, reflecting the deep respect and admiration held for their pioneering CEO. Bella Figura Music currently manages the rights to an impressive array of evergreen hits, including Joan Jett’s iconic "I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll" and The Human League’s enduring classic "Don’t You Want Me," a testament to Cory-Smith’s discerning taste and strategic acumen in catalog acquisition.
The statement concluded with an expression of profound sympathy and a request for privacy for her family: "Our thoughts are with Alexi’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that their privacy be respected. We are committed to honouring Alexi’s vision and achievements and will share further updates when we are able. In the meantime, our focus is on supporting one another and remembering an extraordinary leader who meant so much to all of us." This sentiment resonated widely across an industry she deeply influenced.
Industry Tributes and Early Career Aspirations
The news prompted immediate reactions from key figures within the music community. Jo Twist, CEO of the BPI (British Recorded Music Industry), shared her profound sadness in a statement sent to Billboard. "We are profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Alexi Cory-Smith," Twist commented. "She made a highly valued contribution as a leading figure in our music industry, including as BPI Council member when representing BMG, and we extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues on their great loss." This acknowledgment from a major industry body underscores Cory-Smith’s broad influence and respected standing.
Born with a sharp intellect and a keen sense of justice, Cory-Smith initially harbored ambitions far removed from the glitz and glamour of the music world. In an interview on The Money Trench podcast, she candidly shared her youthful aspiration to become a criminal lawyer. "I was going to save the innocent man from the establishment," she recounted, painting a picture of a driven young woman eager to make a difference. While the courtroom ultimately wasn’t her destiny, her underlying passion for intricate negotiations and strategic problem-solving found a perfect home in the complex landscape of music rights.
Her entry into the music business was humble, starting as what she modestly described as "basically office junior, girl Friday, do it all" at IRS Records. This hands-on experience at the ground level provided her with an invaluable foundation, exposing her to the inner workings of the industry from every angle. Recognizing the critical role of legal understanding in her burgeoning career, she pursued and earned a law degree, a qualification that would prove instrumental in her subsequent rise through the ranks. This academic grounding, combined with her innate business acumen, allowed her to navigate the often-labyrinthine world of contracts, intellectual property, and artist relations with unparalleled skill.
Rising Through the Ranks: EMI, Virgin, and BMG
Cory-Smith’s career trajectory was marked by a steady ascent through some of the most influential music companies of her time. After her formative years at IRS Records, she held significant roles at industry giants such as Virgin and EMI. These experiences provided her with a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and commercial facets of the music business, from artist development and marketing to publishing and recording rights management.
Her leadership qualities and strategic vision truly shone during her extensive tenure at BMG U.K. Over several years, Cory-Smith became a pivotal figure within the company, ultimately serving as President, Repertoire and Marketing, until her departure in 2017. In this high-profile role, she was responsible for overseeing BMG’s publishing and recordings business, a demanding position that required both a deep understanding of musical artistry and shrewd business acumen. Under her stewardship, BMG U.K. expanded its roster and solidified its market position, securing crucial relationships with some of the biggest names in music.
One of her most significant professional accomplishments at BMG, which she personally highlighted as a turning point, was the landmark deal with The Rolling Stones. "The Rolling Stones deal – well, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards specifically, because it was about them as writers and the songs – that was for me, a turning point. Very distinctly," she shared on The Money Trench podcast. This achievement showcased her ability to navigate complex negotiations with legendary artists and manage high-stakes intellectual property, cementing her reputation as a formidable force in the industry. Beyond The Rolling Stones, she also spearheaded crucial relationships with other iconic artists, including Roger Waters, further demonstrating her capacity to manage and grow a diverse and valuable catalog of musical assets. Her time at BMG was characterized by strategic growth and a relentless pursuit of opportunities that amplified both artist value and company revenue.
The Birth of Bella Figura Music: An Entrepreneurial Dream Realized
After years of contributing her formidable talents to established labels, Alexi Cory-Smith embarked on her most ambitious venture yet: co-founding Bella Figura Music in 2022 alongside her longtime colleague Neelesh Prabhu. This move marked a significant pivot, channeling her extensive experience and entrepreneurial spirit into building her own independent powerhouse in the competitive world of music catalog acquisition.
Her motivation was clear and deeply personal. "I began Bella Figura with a very simple thing: I wanted to own my own publishing company," Cory-Smith explained in The Money Trench interview. This desire to build something from the ground up, to imbue a company with her own philosophy and vision, was a driving force. She envisioned Bella Figura as a firm dedicated to "quality, class, it’s successful, it’s curatable," an ethos that guided every acquisition and strategic decision. This approach stood in contrast to some of the broader, more indiscriminate catalog acquisition trends seen in the market, emphasizing a curated, high-value portfolio.
Cory-Smith often spoke with immense pride and enthusiasm about her entrepreneurial journey. "It’s the best thing I ever did in my life, personally, selfishly and professionally. I love this business," she proclaimed. She embraced the challenges inherent in building a new enterprise, acknowledging that it was a continuous process of learning, doing, and making mistakes. Yet, for her, these were not obstacles but integral parts of a fulfilling journey. "It’s learning and doing and making mistakes all at the same time, but it’s fantastic. It’s the thing I’m proudest of. It’s the thing, I love it, I get up every day super excited." Her words paint a vivid picture of a leader deeply invested in her work, finding joy and immense satisfaction in every aspect of Bella Figura’s growth. She also acknowledged the difficulty, stating, "It was worth every second and every penny and every tear. I don’t regret a second, but it wasn’t easy." This honesty resonated with many in the demanding world of startups.
Bella Figura’s Meteoric Rise and Strategic Expansion
Under Cory-Smith’s dynamic leadership, Bella Figura Music rapidly established itself as a significant player in the booming music rights market. By 2025, just three years after its inception, the London-based firm had amassed an impressive portfolio valued at more than $160 million. This rapid growth underscored the efficacy of her strategic approach and her keen eye for valuable, long-lasting musical assets.
Recognizing the global nature of the music industry and the critical importance of the U.S. market, Cory-Smith spearheaded a strategic expansion into the United States. This crucial step involved bringing on industry veteran Gary Gersh as chairman and establishing a dedicated office in Los Angeles in 2025. Gersh, with his extensive experience, was a key addition, signaling Bella Figura’s serious intent to compete on a global scale and broaden its reach within the world’s largest music market.
The firm’s strategic acquisitions further illustrated Cory-Smith’s vision. In April 2026, Bella Figura made a significant splash with the acquisition of producer/songwriter Paul Epworth’s publishing catalog. This landmark deal added an array of major hits to the firm’s growing collection, encompassing Epworth’s acclaimed co-writes and productions. Among these were chart-topping tracks from Adele’s seminal album 21, including the colossal hit "Rolling in the Deep," and the iconic James Bond theme "Skyfall." The catalog also featured Epworth’s critically acclaimed work on Florence + The Machine’s albums Lungs and Ceremonials.
Cory-Smith articulated the significance of the Epworth acquisition at the time, stating, "For us, acquiring Paul’s catalog defines what Bella Figura was built to do. His body of work speaks for itself. Songs that have moved hundreds of millions of people and stand the test of time." This statement perfectly encapsulated Bella Figura’s mission: to curate a portfolio of timeless music that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, generating enduring value.
The Broader Context: The Booming Music Rights Market
Alexi Cory-Smith’s entrepreneurial venture with Bella Figura Music occurred during a period of unprecedented activity and investment in the music rights market. The past decade has witnessed a significant surge in the acquisition of music catalogs, driven by several key factors. The stability of royalty streams from evergreen hits, the predictable long-term revenue generated by streaming platforms, and the increasing interest from private equity firms seeking alternative assets have all contributed to this boom.
Music publishing and recording catalogs are often seen as attractive investments due to their resilience, relatively low volatility, and the consistent demand for music across various media. Streaming services have democratized access to vast libraries of music, ensuring that older hits continue to find new audiences and generate royalties decades after their initial release. This environment created fertile ground for companies like Bella Figura Music to thrive, focusing on identifying and acquiring valuable intellectual property.
Bella Figura, under Cory-Smith’s guidance, distinguished itself by emphasizing a curated approach rather than a volume-driven strategy. Her insistence on "quality, class, and curatability" allowed the firm to build a highly respected portfolio that stood out in a crowded market. This strategy likely positioned Bella Figura for sustainable growth, focusing on assets with proven longevity and cultural impact, rather than chasing every available catalog. Her deep industry relationships and legal expertise provided a distinct advantage in navigating the complex landscape of music rights, allowing Bella Figura to secure highly sought-after catalogs and establish itself as a formidable player in a relatively short time.
An Enduring Impact and Vision for the Future
Alexi Cory-Smith’s passing leaves an undeniable void in the global music industry. She was a trailblazer, a shrewd business leader, and a passionate advocate for the value of musical intellectual property. Her career, spanning from an "office junior" to the CEO of a multi-million-dollar firm, serves as an inspiring testament to dedication, strategic vision, and the power of entrepreneurial spirit. She not only excelled in a predominantly male-dominated industry but actively shaped its evolution, particularly in the critical domain of music rights and catalog management.
Her profound dedication to Bella Figura Music was evident in every interview and public statement. Her vision for the company was clear and ambitious: "I’d like it to go and go," she expressed, underscoring her desire for the firm to have a lasting, impactful presence in the industry. This long-term perspective, coupled with her meticulous approach to acquisitions and growth, laid a robust foundation for Bella Figura’s future.
The challenge now falls to the remaining leadership and team at Bella Figura Music to honor Cory-Smith’s legacy and continue to steer the company according to her founding principles. Given the firm’s strong portfolio and strategic positioning, built under her guidance, it is well-placed to carry forward her vision. The industry will undoubtedly watch closely as Bella Figura navigates this difficult period, striving to uphold the standards of excellence and curatorial integrity that Alexi Cory-Smith so passionately instilled.
Alexi Cory-Smith’s remarkable journey, from aspiring criminal lawyer to one of the most respected and innovative figures in the music rights sector, leaves an indelible mark. Her contributions to BMG and her pioneering work with Bella Figura Music have significantly enriched the landscape of the modern music business, securing the value of timeless artistry for generations to come. She will be remembered not only for her business acumen but for her unwavering passion, her leadership, and her profound love for music itself.
