UMG HAILS THE TY THAT BINDS FOR TECH

Veteran tech exec Ty Roberts has been appointed to the newly minted post of SVP and Chief Technology Officer at UMG.

Roberts, co-founder of music data giant Gracenote, will oversee tech strategy and digita-assetl initiatives in the gig; he'll report to EVP of Digital Strategy Michael Nash when he steps into the Santa Monica offices on 4/25.

Gracenote, where Roberts most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer and GM of Music, has provided tech to Apple, Sony, Microsoft, Spotify, Amazon and other behemoths. His other achievements include pioneering enhanced CD tech, co-founding Lightsource Computer Images and developing its influential music software apps, and co-developing the QuickTime format at Apple.

Roberts said his goal was to "build upon Universal Music’s existing leadership in technology and digital and make sure we’re poised to take full advantage of the vast opportunities that are ahead of us. I’m so thankful to Lucian Grainge and Michael Nash for trusting me with this important responsibility. Now, can someone please tell me where to plug in this fax machine?"