Apple has reportedly launched an internal division dedicated to music publishing and music publishers, led by the company’s former legal director of iTunes International.

According to Music Business Worldwide, Elena Segal has stepped up to become Apple Music’s global director of music publishing – a role that will see her splitting her time between Los Angeles and London.

The new music publishing team will contain sub-divisions including operations, commercial, publisher relations, and A&R.

The decision to create the new division is one of Oliver Schusser’s first big moves since he moved from his role as VP of iTunes international to head of Apple Music worldwide last month.

“Oliver is well aware that much of the most important artist discovery happening in the music industry today comes from the publishing side of the business,” a source told Music Business Worldwide.

“He is also aware that record labels and artists are well served by industry relations teams at streaming platforms – they are in and out of those offices every day – but that publishing hasn’t yet enjoyed that kind of direct relationship.

“Oliver wants to underline the importance of publishing and songwriters to Apple. That’s what this move is all about.”