UNIVERSAL MUSIC APPOINTS MARK WILKINSON VICE PRESIDENT INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY & ARTIST DEVELOPMENT, GLOBAL CLASSICS

11 March 2015 - Press release

Senior international executive will continue to lead Universal Music’s Deutsche Grammophon label in Berlin while a successor is appointed

Dickon Stainer, Universal Music’s President of Global Classics, has today appointed Mark Wilkinson to the new role of Vice President International Strategy & Artist Development. Wilkinson will continue to serve as President of Deutsche Grammophon, reporting jointly to Stainer and to Frank Briegmann, Universal Music’s President of Central Europe, until a successor is appointed in due course. 

This new role follows Stainer’s appointment as President of Global Classics last November. Based out of Universal Music’s Global Classics headquarters in London and reporting to Stainer, as VP International Strategy & Artist Development Wilkinson will spearhead the commercial development of new partners to extend the global reach and success of classical artists and classical music. He will work on projects with UMG’s roster of classical superstars and new artists as well as driving opportunities to expose people around the world to the rich and historic catalogues of Universal Music’s Deutsche Grammophon and Decca labels. 

Wilkinson has been President of Deutsche Grammophon since 2012 and he will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of the company in Berlin until a successor is appointed by Frank Briegmann and Dickon Stainer.

Dickon Stainer said: “I’m delighted that Mark is taking up this new role which sits right at the very heart of our new global strategy for classical music. Mark is one of the most experienced classical executives in the world with a record of developing and nurturing artists of the highest calibre and in this new role he will be a huge asset in strengthening our global footprint for classical music.

“Together with Frank Briegmann we will find the best possible next leader for Deutsche Grammophon, someone who knows and understands the unique culture of this most legendary of labels.”

Frank Briegmann said: “I want to thank Mark for the great work he has done for Deutsche Grammophon over the past few years. He has strengthened our core repertoire, brought new crossover ideas and successfully integrated the teams at Deutsche Grammophon and Universal Music Classics Germany. Together we have made a number of strategic changes which the label will benefit from going forward such as innovative digital distribution channels and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him in the future. I want to congratulate Mark on his new appointment and wish him the best of luck and success and I have no doubt that he will continue to play an important role for Deutsche Grammophon and its fantastic artists.” 

Mark Wilkinson said: “I’d like to thank Dickon for asking me to join his global team in this new role.  It’s a genuine honour to have been part of Frank’s team at Deutsche Grammophon and I look forward to continuing to work with Universal Music's distinguished roster of artists and committed executives around the world." 

Wilkinson has been a key figure in the success of Universal Music’s classical labels for over 20 years, including a decade in the leadership of the UK division alongside Dickon Stainer where the company built the commanding leadership position it holds today, working with a huge number of today’s most successful classical artists including Anna Netrebko, André Rieu, Andrea Bocelli, Miloš Karadaglić, Hélène Grimaud, Bryn Terfel, Gustavo Dudamel, Rolando Villazón and Ludovico Einaudi.

Since being appointed President of Deutsche Grammophon in 2012 Wilkinson has overseen the label's ‎continued expansion into the digital space with the release of innovative award-winning classical music apps, expanded  its leadership position in the German classical music market, and overseen the signing to global deals of major artists including composer Max Richter, tenor Piotr Beczala, ‎legendary pianist Grigory Sokolov, leading electronica artist Schiller and Grammy-nominated pianist Daniil Trifonov. 

Wilkinson is a former co-Chairman of the UK’s Classic Brit awards, holds a degree in music from the University of Durham, and was an accomplished amateur flautist.