Quartararo to Quit Virgin Records America

Promotion whiz Phil Quartararo is expected to step down today as president of Virgin Records America, home to such pop acts as Janet Jackson and the Rolling Stones, sources said. Quartararo, who was under contract until March, will leave the EMI Music-owned label to join Warner Bros. Records, a rival owned by Time Warner, sources said. Quartararo is expected to be replaced by the executive team of Ray Cooper and Ashley Newton, co-managing directors of Virgin’s British division, who were responsible for signing such acts as the Spice Girls, the Chemical Brothers, Neneh Cherry and Massive Attack, sources said. In addition, Virgin executive Nancy Berry will be promoted to vice chair of Virgin Records America and Virgin Music Group Worldwide.