He was the head of EMI's Columbia label for many of the label's most successful years. He was also a much sought-after lyricist, sometimes writing under the pen-name David West, responsible for co-writing songs that included "My Thanks To You" (music by Noel Gay) and "Portrait of My Love" (music by Cyril Ornadel), a hit for Matt Monro. In addition, he provided the English lyrics for "More", (the theme from the film "Mondo Cane"). Newell also wrote the English lyrics of Shirley Bassey's 1961 number one hit "Reach for the Stars", (composed by Nini Oliviero and Riz Ortolani); "This Is My Life" ("La vita", written by Antonio Amurri and Bruno Canfora); "The Importance of Your Love" ("Important C'est La Rose", by Gilbert Bécaud); "Born to Sing" ("Mourir Sur scène", by Dalida); "Monday Morning Again" ("Le Lundi au Soleil", by Claude François) and "Never, Never, Never" ("Grande grande grande"). He also wrote with the composer, Philip Green, the United Kingdom's 1963 Eurovision Song Contest entry, "Say Wonderful Things", recorded by Ronnie Carroll. The song was later recorded in the United States by Patti Page.