Santa Monica, CA (TOP40 Charts/ Universal
Music Publishing Group) -- Universal
Music Group (UMG), has promoted Rob Wells to the newly created position of President of Global
Digital Business. The announcement was made today by Lucian Grainge, Co-Chief Executive Officer of UMG, Zach Horowitz, President and Chief Operating Officer of UMG, and Max Hole, Chief Operating Officer of Universal
Music Group International (UMGI). Mr. Wells will report directly to Mr. Horowitz and Mr. Hole. Formerly, Mr. Wells served as Senior Vice President of
Digital for UMGI.
Based at the company's Santa Monica, CA headquarters, Mr. Wells will work closely with the various divisions of UMG and its business partners to further extend the company's digital strategy and reach across current and emerging platforms. Tasked with global responsibility for the strategic growth initiatives around all of UMG's digital assets, Mr. Wells will drive development and execution of activities in the wireless, online and transactional sectors. He will also be responsible for identifying strategic partnerships and next generation distribution channels to open new revenue streams.
"Innovation, leadership and imagination are essential to expanding our digital business even further, and there is no one better equipped to do this than Rob," stated Mr. Grainge. "Not only have he and his team been at the forefront of pioneering new models in such a challenging, competitive environment, but they have also led the way in developing new business ventures with key strategic media and tech partners. And he's the best surfer I know."
"Through this new position, we have created a more comprehensive, integrated approach to implementing our digital strategy on a global scale," commented Mr. Horowitz. "This will further maximise value for our artists and business partners, while helping to catalyze the next stage of growth for our company in this area. It will enable us to be even more nimble, innovative and user-friendly than in the past. And we're confident that under Rob's leadership, this new approach will flourish."
"Rob has done a remarkable job internationally for Universal Music in the past four years, and this promotion recognises that fact," said Mr. Hole. "He is equally skilled in relationships with artists and talent management as he is in dealing with the CEOs of top technology companies and our multiple business partners. Simply put, Rob is the industry's leading digital music executive, at the world's leading music company."
"UMG possesses a portfolio of world class artists and brands, and this new position presents a tremendous opportunity to help define new and widening opportunities for them on a global basis," added Mr. Wells. "I am thankful to Lucian, Zach and Max for their continued support. UMG has been on the leading edge of the digital music business and I look forward to creating and advancing initiatives that will keep us at the forefront of this developing marketplace."
Mr. Wells began his tenure at UMG in 2000, when he joined Universal Music UK as Division Director of Digital Services. He was later promoted to Senior Vice President of Digital for UMGI in 2006, where he was responsible for directing and executing all aspects of the company's international digital business.
