Speaker Biographies
Carl Leighton-Pope - MD, Leighton-Pope Organisation
Carl Leighton-Pope started his music career in 1972 when he opened a recording studio in South Wales and managed a band called Sassafras, signed to Chrysalis Records. Sassafras toured the UK, Europe and the US in the mid seventies. After they broke up in 1977, Carl joined NEMS agency and signed acts including Dire Straits, Simple Minds, Patti Smith, The Motors, UFO and Camel. He formed the Performing Artists Network Agency in 1979 and extended his representation to acts including Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Loverboy, SAGA and The Fixx and went on to manage UFO.
In 1984, Carl signed Bryan Adams for his agency and Matt Bianco for management, taking both acts with him a year later, along with SAGA, when he set up Bonaire Records, publishing and management company with offices in London, Los Angeles and Munich.
In 1991, Carl started the Leighton-Pope Organisation enjoying substantial success touring The Chippendales, Bonnie Tyler and Van Morrison around Europe. Carl is still working with most of his artistes and his most recent client Michael Bublé has been selling out arenas throughout the world.
From January 1, 2004 he has taken on the role of a consultant to WWE for all of their live performances outside North America. This is a huge role encompassing all territories in the world and developing the brand with live events in arenas.
2006 signings included Keith Urban. 2007 signings included Billy Ocean and Crusty Demons a fully choreographed freestyle motocross show and Harlem Globetrotters.
