Vivendi announced today the appointment of Lucian Grainge as Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group. That’s a promotion from his current role as Chairman/CEO of London-based UMG International. He’ll assume his new post on Jan. 1 of 2011, succeeding Doug Morris, who will remain as Chairman. Grainge will relocate to
Under Grainge’s leadership during the last five years, UMGI has grown its marketshare worldwide, broken global acts and led the music industry in developing a range of new digital services. With a roster of talent that includes Lady Gaga, U2, Black Eyed Peas, Amy Winehouse, Take That and the Killers, Grainge has enabled UMG to dominate the international music scene. Most recently, the company garnered a 35.7% share of the
Grainge is also credited with signing the Rolling Stones away from their longtime home of EMI to a long-term, exclusive deal, making UMG the sole proprietor of the legendary band’s post-ABKCO catalog. In addition to partnering with Disney for
He started his career with CBS/April Music in 1979, advancing to positions in A&R and talent development, and rising to senior management positions at PolyGram U.K. and Universal Music internationally. Which takes us to the present moment.
“The time has come for Lucian to step up to the CEO role,” said Morris stated. “I am very happy with the new organization as I have been grooming him to succeed me for quite a while now. I know he is ready, willing and able to attack the challenges of the new decade.”
Commenting on the appointment, Levy stated: “I am delighted that Lucian Grainge has agreed to move to
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Doug Morris for the extraordinary results he has achieved over the years in a very tough environment, Levy added. “After starting out as a songwriter in 1965, Doug has overseen 35 years in the business and taken it from vinyl to Vevo. Lucian will be able to benefit from their period in tandem. I know Doug, as the chairman of UMG, will continue to provide a major contribution to the business and the music industry as a whole.”
Said Grainge: “Stepping into Doug’s shoes is an honour [see how he spells that?] and a privilege. This is a great industry which I believe has as much to look forward to as to be proud of. If we keep getting the basics right of exceptional music and artistry, backed by a great team and sound business sense, then we’ll continue to achieve success.”
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