VARIETY: LAYOFFS BEGIN AT UMG

Though nothing has been officially announced, Variety is reporting that a wave of layoffs is underway at UMG as part of its reorganization. Variety's Jem Aswad cites sources in saying that layoffs "reach into the high hundreds," with the West Coast bearing the majority of the impact due to larger staffs than those maintained in the East. The combination of large Capitol and Interscope staffs is resulting in the most numerous reductions, Aswad adds.

Aswad's sources also say that Interscope promo veterans Brenda Romano and Chris Lopes will exit, with their roles to be filled by Capitol promo head Greg Marella. As we reported earlier and as Variety also points out, erstwhile Def Jam promo exec Natina Nimene is said to be stepping into the role of Urban promo head for all the East Coast labels.

Additionally, the piece says Interscope publicity head Cara Donatto will be leaving and posits that her duties will likely be taken over by Capitol's Ambrosia Healy. Def Jam PR chief Gabe Tesoriero is also reported to be exiting, with Republic's Joe Carozza believed to be taking on those responsibilities.

A great many junior employees are also being let go, the story asserts. UMG reps didn't respond to Variety's requests for comment.

This is an incredibly tough day for the biz.