The global music industry is in mourning following the sudden and unexpected passing of Alexi Cory-Smith, the co-founder and CEO of the prominent rights management firm Bella Figura Music. Her death, announced by the company on Friday, July 3, at the age of 58, has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment sector, marking the loss of one of the industry’s most respected and forward-thinking executives.
Known for her sharp business acumen and deep, genuine love for music, Cory-Smith was a transformative figure in the world of publishing and recordings. From her early days as an "office junior" to her leadership of a $160 million independent powerhouse, her career was defined by an unrelenting drive to protect and promote the value of creators’ work.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Alexi Cory-Smith’s career was a testament to the power of grit, curiosity, and a profound understanding of the shifting tides of the music business. Her professional journey, which spanned decades, took her through the halls of legendary institutions like Virgin and EMI before she rose to prominence as a key executive at BMG U.K.
As the President of Repertoire and Marketing at BMG, she was instrumental in securing and managing relationships with some of the world’s most iconic musical acts, including the Rolling Stones and Roger Waters. Her approach was never merely transactional; she viewed the acquisition and management of music rights as a stewardship of culture.
In 2022, seeking to forge her own path, Cory-Smith teamed up with long-time colleague Neelesh Prabhu to launch Bella Figura Music. The London-based firm was conceived as a boutique, high-quality destination for catalog management—a place where, as she famously noted in interviews, "quality, class, and success" were the guiding principles.
Chronology of an Extraordinary Career
Early Beginnings and the Pivot to Music
Born with a sharp legal mind, Cory-Smith initially intended to pursue a career in criminal law. Driven by a desire to defend the underdog, she famously said she wanted to "save the innocent man from the establishment." However, the allure of the music industry proved stronger. She began her career at IRS Records, performing the humble, all-encompassing duties of an "office junior" and "girl Friday." This foundational experience provided her with an intimate understanding of the mechanical and creative cogs that turn the music industry.
The BMG Era
Her transition to leadership was defined by her tenure at BMG. As a key executive, she was responsible for high-stakes negotiations and the strategic handling of massive intellectual property portfolios. Her work with the Rolling Stones—securing the rights to their work as songwriters—was, by her own admission, a pivotal turning point in her professional life. It solidified her reputation as a formidable negotiator who possessed both a lawyer’s precision and a fan’s passion.
The Birth of Bella Figura
In 2022, Cory-Smith took the leap into entrepreneurship. Founding Bella Figura was not just a career move; it was a personal mission. She sought to build a company that prioritized the integrity of the song above all else. Under her leadership, the firm quickly became a major player, managing the rights to evergreen hits such as Joan Jett’s "I Love Rock ’n’ Roll" and The Human League’s "Don’t You Want Me."
Global Expansion
By 2025, Bella Figura had evolved into a $160 million enterprise. Recognizing the need for a global footprint, Cory-Smith oversaw the firm’s aggressive expansion into the U.S. market, appointing industry veteran Gary Gersh as chairman and establishing a physical presence in Los Angeles. This move signaled her intention to make Bella Figura a permanent fixture in the global music landscape.
Industry Impact and Supporting Data
The growth of Bella Figura under Cory-Smith was not accidental; it was the result of a rigorous strategy focused on high-quality, long-term asset acquisition. The firm’s portfolio is not merely a collection of hits, but a library of songs that have defined generations.
In April 2026, the company made a landmark acquisition of producer and songwriter Paul Epworth’s publishing catalog. This move brought a massive array of hits into the Bella Figura fold, including Adele’s 21 (most notably "Rolling in the Deep") and the Oscar-winning James Bond theme "Skyfall." These assets are, by definition, the "evergreen" content that provides the bedrock of the modern music economy.
"For us, acquiring Paul’s catalog defines what Bella Figura was built to do," Cory-Smith said at the time of the deal. "His body of work speaks for itself. Songs that have moved hundreds of millions of people and stand the test of time."
Her philosophy was rooted in the idea that music rights are more than commodities; they are cultural artifacts that require careful, expert stewardship. By maintaining a boutique focus despite the company’s rapid financial growth, she ensured that the artists and creators under her umbrella felt that their work was in safe, appreciative hands.
Official Responses and Tributes
The news of her passing has been met with profound sorrow from industry leaders, who have highlighted not only her professional achievements but her personal warmth and integrity.
In an official statement, the team at Bella Figura shared their devastation: "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 organization emphasized that they are committed to honoring her vision. "Our focus is on supporting one another and remembering an extraordinary leader who meant so much to all of us," the statement concluded.
Jo Twist, CEO of the BPI (British Recorded Music Industry), echoed these sentiments, noting the depth of the loss to the British music community. "She made a highly valued contribution as a leading figure in our music industry, including as a BPI Council member when representing BMG, and we extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues on their great loss."
The Future of Bella Figura and Her Lasting Legacy
The sudden departure of a founder and CEO is an immense challenge for any organization. However, the structure Cory-Smith built at Bella Figura was designed for longevity. By assembling a team of industry experts and maintaining a clear, values-driven corporate culture, she ensured that the company was built on more than just her individual presence.
As the industry processes this loss, the focus remains on the "extraordinary leader" who, as she once described on The Money Trench podcast, "got up every day super excited" about the work she was doing. Her journey from an office junior to the CEO of a multi-million dollar firm serves as an inspiration to aspiring executives, proving that a career in music can be both a business of precision and a labor of love.
While the firm has indicated that it will share further updates regarding leadership and operations when it is able, the immediate priority is the support of the team and the grieving family. The legacy of Alexi Cory-Smith is secured not just in the balance sheets or the song catalogs she managed, but in the indelible mark she left on the people she mentored and the industry she spent her life refining.
"It was worth every second and every penny and every tear," she said of her career. For those who worked alongside her, the feeling is mutual. The music industry has lost a titan, but her contributions to the craft of rights management and her spirit of relentless, joyous work will continue to resonate for years to come.
