PRESENTING VIRGIN MUSIC LABEL AND ARTIST SERVICES

UMG is trumpeting the global reorganization of its independent-services wing with the announcement of the launch of Virgin Music Label and Artist Services, which will leverage the famed Virgin brand as a global network of services that (along with fellow Uni entity Ingrooves) will assist indie labels, artists and entrepreneurs at all stages of development.

Among the resources to be provided under the new umbrella: global distribution, data and marketing tools, as well as access to promotion, marketing and artist-development teams worldwide.

“Virgin has long been a name synonymous with disruptive innovation, musical creativity and entrepreneurialism,” proclaimed UMG topper Sir Lucian Grainge. “We are thrilled to announce the reinvigoration of this iconic music brand as a new model for global distribution and label services—combining UMG’s unrivaled regional executive teams with dedicated resources and best-in-class services and technology to help foster long-term partnerships and deliver global success to the next generation of independent labels and artist talent. In total, this global launch represents an important evolution of our industry-leading strategy to be an accelerator of and vital partner to music’s best independent artists and entrepreneurs.”

Virgin’s Founder, Sir Richard Branson, added: "I'm proud that half a century after we opened our first independent record shop in London, the Virgin Music name continues to represent the very best entrepreneurs, innovators and artists from the world of music."

In the U.S., Caroline will become Virgin Label & Artist Services. Jacqueline Saturn will remain in charge with the new title President of VL&AS, reporting to CMG Prexy/COO Michelle Jubelirer. The VL&AS U.K. hub will be led by Vanessa Higgins as MD. Thomas Lorain will serve as MD in France; a new division in Germany will be helmed by Tina Adams, reporting to Frank Briegmann, head of Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammaphon. The latter will operate alongside frontline label Virgin Records Germany.

Virgin Music Latin America will be led by Víctor González, who has been anointed President, Virgin Music LATAM & Iberia, reporting to Jesús López, Chairman & CEO Latin America & Iberian Peninsula.

Effective immediately, the new Virgin Music Label & Artist Services Japan will expand upon the offerings of Caroline Japan under Hirokazu Tanaka, reporting to Universal Music Japan boss Naoshi Fujikura, and operate alongside frontline label Virgin Music.

Caroline International’s U.K.-based label-services arm becomes Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, effective immediately, with leadership continuity under MDs Michael Roe and Jim Chancellor.

No word yet on any role for the Spice Girls.