Alexi Cory-Smith
Bella Figura Co-Founder Alexi Cory-Smith Passes Away
The industry has paid tribute to the respected executive, who was 58
Alexi Cory-Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Bella Figura Music, has died suddenly. She was 58.
Backstory:
Cory-Smith launched Bella Figura in 2022 after seven years at BMG, where she was President of the company’s UK division.
The music catalog company has signed catalog deals with artists, songwriters and producers including David Gray, Guy Chambers, Paul Epworth, The Drums’ Jonny Pierce, and Human League co-founder Adrian Wright.
In 2024 it acquired RAK Publishing, and earlier this year acquired a stake in the Jeepster Recordings catalog.
In 2025 it signed a global admin deal with Sony Music Publishing as part of a US expansion, as per Music Week.
Earlier this year Bella Figura announced it had deployed over $160 million on catalog deals to date, as per Music Business Worldwide.
Company statement:
“We are devastated to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our co-founder and CEO, Alexi Cory-Smith. 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. Our thoughts are with Alexi’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. 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.”
Industry tributes:
Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI CEO: “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.”
IMPF (Independent Music Publishers International Forum): “IMPF is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Alexi Cory-Smith, founder and CEO of Bella Figura and a valued member of the music publishing community. A principled and passionate entrepreneur she was deeply connected to the art of the business. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the entire Bella Figura team.”
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This story was written with information from Music Week and Music Business Worldwide.
We covered it because it’s news of a respected music industry executive passing away.
