This move, says PIAS Group co-founder Kenny Gates, “makes us stronger."
The deal expands on an earlier partnership between the two that involved the [PIAS] distribution wing [Integral].
The respected label and publishing executive leaves after two decades at parent company Universal Music Group.
Pico Cibelli spent more than a decade at Sony Music Italy and another 10 years at Universal Music.
WMG's newest CEO, YouTube veteran Robert Kyncl, joins the company on Jan. 1
WMG's fourth quarter revenues grew 16% overall on strong recorded music and publishing growth.
The label says the signing is a major first step in its push to discover talent from the MENA region and introduce artists to global audiences.
The collaboration expands the “Rising Star Stage” competition that previously gave winners the chance to perform at the Ghana festival.
Moroney's "Tennessee Orange" is currently at No. 19 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.
The Sony-owned label had nine nominations, with three apiece for its trio of superstars.