DAVID JOSEPH TO RECEIVE CBE FROM THE QUEEN

Universal Music U.K. boss David Joseph has been honoured for services to Blighty's music industry by none other than Her Majesty the Queen. Joseph, now a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, can add CBE to the end of his name, joining Max Hole (who announced his retirement from UMG in October) and Island Records' Darcus Beese, who was awarded an OBE last year.

He’ll receive the award in a ceremony on New Year's Day; other music recipients will include PRS for Music Foundation Vice Chair Paulette Long and artist Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz, both of whom will be presented with OBEs. A full list is available here.

Joseph has been loyal to UMG since joining the label in 1998 as general manager of Polydor. In 2008, he was promoted to Universal’s top job.

“Being chosen for this honour is an incredible surprise and a very proud moment for me and my family,” Joseph declared.

Joseph has long been hailed as a rational, far-sighted and very digital-aware exec (he’s been fighting for the U.K. industry to recognise streaming's ascent for years). In addition to helming the label group, he’s a member of Arts Council England and served as a producer on the acclaimed music documentary film Amy.

As a firm believer in the cumulative power of his labels competing fiercely with another for success, Joseph bears similarities to his mentor, Lucian Grainge, who was awarded his very own CBE in 2010.