Middleton, who over the years worked in senior roles with EMI, BMG and Universal – where he was appointed marketing manager in 2005 – will remain active in the business, with the promotion of Irish acts in the UK being one likely thread to his ongoing involvement.

"I have decided to sell up and explore new challenges for the next five years," Middleton told Hot Press. "I'm moving to Kent in England, with an easy commute to London. There are plans in development, that will be announced in 2012, but I will also continue to promote both Irish and UK artists in the UK market."

Having started out in retail and done a stint as General Manager of BMG, in addition to his more recent position with Universal Ireland, Middleton has a huge level of experience breaking acts, so it will be interesting to see where this latest venture takes him.