Universal Music Group has appointed Frank Briegmann as chairman & CEO, Universal Music Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada & Deutsche Grammophon.
Formerly chairman and CEO of Universal Music Central Europe, the key promotion for Briegmann creates a new structure at the major that is designed to drive more opportunities for artists across borders by enabling closer collaboration.
“This move brings unified leadership to a diverse group of territories, each with its own rich mix of cultures but sharing enormous potential to develop local talent into regional and global stars,” said a statement.
Briegmann will continue to report to Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group.
“In a rapidly evolving music ecosystem, Briegmann’s wider remit will help UMG anticipate and embrace change, using technology to amplify expertise, sharpen execution, and bring markets closer together,” said a statement.
Briegmann has spent 22 years at the major, first joining in 2004 as CEO of the German business, in the process becoming the youngest executive ever to lead a major music company in Germany. His responsibilities have since expanded across Central, Northern and Eastern Europe, alongside his global leadership of Deutsche Grammophon.
As well as driving digital transformation, UMG said Briegmann has championed local talent and music cultures, investing in artists and repertoire while helping them reach audiences beyond their home markets. The major credited him with opening up new commercial and creative opportunities for artists, including “reimagining Deutsche Grammophon for the modern era”.
Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group, said: “Frank and I have worked together for more than 20 years, and he’s a fierce artist champion with a proven track record of building long-term careers. He combines creative expertise with business acumen and the insights of data and technology.
“Just as importantly, he respects what makes every market different and knows how to give great local leaders the freedom and support to succeed. Frank’s promotion is all about the power of possibility; making it easier for artists, ideas, and opportunities to travel across borders.”
Frank and I have worked together for more than 20 years, and he’s a fierce artist champion with a proven track record of building long-term careers
Sir Lucian Grainge
Frank Briegmann said: “Great artists can emerge anywhere, and today they can find an audience almost everywhere. That makes strong local expertise more important. Our responsibility is to understand and nurture what makes each market dynamic and distinctive, while giving artists the investment, local expertise, and global reach to realise their full potential.
“I’m grateful to Lucian for his trust and this new opportunity to take on this broader responsibility. Over the years, I have seen what becomes possible when great local teams work closely together across borders. I look forward to building on that experience with this exceptional group of leaders and creating even more opportunities for artists throughout these markets and around the world.”
With his expanded remit, Briegmann will work closely with the established leadership in each market, including Olivier Nusse who continues as CEO, Universal Music France; Sean Warner, who continues as president & CEO, Universal Music Australia & New Zealand; and Julie Adam, who continues as President & CEO, Universal Music Canada.
As part of his expanded role, Briegmann will also work with UMG’s leadership in Europe, including the UK and Iberia, to create stronger connections across markets through technology, data and commerce.
Universal Music Group UK will continue to be led by Dickon Stainer, chairman & CEO, UK, reporting to Sir Lucian Grainge.
Spain will continue to be led by Luis Fernández, president, Universal Music Spain, and Portugal will continue to be led by Ana Hernandez, managing director, Portugal, both reporting to Jesus Lopez, chairman & CEO, Universal Music Latin America and Iberian Peninsula.
Briegmann is a board member of the Federal Association of the Music Industry. He also serves on Deutsche Bank’s Eastern Regional Advisory Board, as well as on the boards of trustees of the C/O Berlin Foundation and the German Sports Aid Foundation (Stiftung Deutsche Sporthilfe).
PHOTO: Peter Rigaud
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