Global Radio's non-executive chairman Charles Allen has taken on the additional role as executive chairman of EMI Music.
Allen was already part of the music firm, being non-executive chairman since January.
His new role will not affect any work he does at Britain's largest commercial group – a Global Radio spokeswoman said.
Allen said: "I will support and guide the group's strong team, keep EMI's focus on creativity and superb AandR, and deliver a digital platform. This is a great business – our task is to ensure it has a great future."
He was previously executive chairman of Granada from 2001 to 2004 and then chief executive of ITV until 2007.