Alexi Cory-Smith, Bella Figura Co-Founder and CEO, Dies at 58
Categoria: Musica
The firm, which acquires and manages rights across music publishing and recordings, announced Cory-Smith's unexpected passing on Friday (July 3).
Por Billboard | 03/07/2026
Alexi Cory-Smith , co-founder and CEO of London-based catalog firm Bella Figura Music, and formerly an executive at BMG’s U.K. division, has died. She was 58. Related Gone But Not Forgotten: Musicians We Lost in 2026 Naoshi Fujikura of Universal Music Japan on Japan's Unique Superfan Culture & Global Ambitions: Billboard Global Power Players Interview Katsumi Kuroiwa of Avex on the Bruno Mars Publishing Deal & Taking the Company Worldwide: Billboard Global Power Players Interview “We are devastated to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our co-founder and CEO, Alexi Cory-Smith,” said a statement released on Friday (July 3) by Bella Figura , who manages the rights of evergreen hits like Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” and The Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me.” “Alexi built Bella Figura Music from the ground up, bringing the vision and passion from a successful career in the music industry. Her leadership, creativity, and unwavering commitment to our team and our work leaves a lasting legacy,” the firm said. “Our thoughts are with Alexi’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement continued. “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.” In a statement sent to Billboard , British Recorded Music Industry CEO Jo Twist said, “We are profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Alexi Cory-Smith. 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.” Cory-Smith founded Bella Figura in 2022 alongside Neelesh Prabhu, a longtime colleague. “For us, it’s quality, class, it’s successful, it’s curatable. I began Bella Figura with a very simple thing: I wanted to own my own publishing company,” Cory-Smith said in an interview on The Money Trench podcast , speaking of her turn to entrepreneurship after accumulating years of professional experience at major labels. “It’s the best thing I ever did in my life, personally, selfishly and professionally. I love this business,” she said of putting everything into Bella Figura. “…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.” As of 2025, Bella Figura had accumulated a portfolio worth more than $160 million. The London-based firm made a push into the U.S. market , bringing on industry vet Gary Gersh to open