Universal Music Group's Sir Lucian Grainge tops Billboard's 2023 Power List 02 Feb 2023
UMG Chairman & CEO Grainge First to Top List Six Times – No Other has Achieved No. 1 More than Once
Universal Music Group (UMG) Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge has been recognized as No. 1 on Billboard's 2023 Power List for a record sixth time, and for the third consecutive year it was awarded, extending his own record as the only executive to win No. 1 more than once. In addition to 2023, Grainge led the magazine's annual list of the most influential executives in music in 2022, 2020, 2019, 2016, 2015 and 2013. In 2020, Grainge was named the first-ever "Executive of the Decade." No list was published in 2021.
In presenting the award to Grainge, Billboard reflected on UMG's first year as a public company, noting it produced "three of the top five most-streamed songs in the United States, six of the top 10 biggest albums of the year in the United States by consumption units and the No. 1 label of the year in current market share in Republic Records" and that "business has been booming."
Additional UMG executives named to Billboard's list include: Michele Anthony, UMG's Executive Vice President; Jody Gerson, Universal Music Publishing Group's Chairman and CEO; Jeffrey Harleston, UMG's General Counsel, Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs; Boyd Muir, UMG's Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and President of Operations; Michael Nash, UMG's Executive Vice President, Chief Digital Officer, and; Will Tanous, UMG's Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.
Billboard also recognized many of UMG's label and business unit heads including Republic Records Co-Founder and Chairman Monte Lipman; Republic Records Co-Founder and President Avery Lipman; Capitol Music Group Chairman and CEO Michelle Jubelirer; Interscope Geffen A&M Records Chairman and CEO John Janick; Def Jam Recordings Chairman and CEO Tunji Balogun; Island Records Co-CEO's Justin Eshak and Imran Majid; Universal Music Latin America and Iberian Peninsula Chairman and CEO Jesus Lopez; Universal Music Enterprises President and CEO Bruce Resnikoff; Universal Music Group Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan, who will retire later this year was named on the list, alongside incoming Chair and CEO Cindy Mabe; Virgin Music Group Co-CEO'S JT Myers and Nat Pastor; and Virgin Music Label & Artist Services President, Jacqueline Saturn.
At Universal Music Publishing Group, in addition to Gerson, Billboard recognized Chief Operating Officer Marc Cimino; President, Latin America and U.S. Latin Alexandra Lioutikoff; and Chairman and CEO Universal Music Publishing Nashville Troy Tomlinson. Billboard additionally recognized Def Jam Recordings Executive Vice President, President, 4th & Broadway LaTrice Burnette; Capitol Music Group President Arjun Pulijal; Republic Records Co-Presidents Wendy Goldstein and Jim Roppo; and Angel Kaminsky, President Universal Music Latino.
Many of UMG's partners were recognized as well, including: Roc Nation founder Shawn "Jay Z" Carter, Vice Chairman Jay Brown and CEO Desiree Perez; Wassim "Sal" Slaiby, CEO and Founder SAL&CO, XO Records and Universal Arabic Music; Disney Music Group President Ken Bunt; Primary Wave Founder and CEO Larry Mestel and President of Publishing Justin Shukat; Big Machine Label Group founder, president and CEO Scott Borchetta; Concord Music Group CEO Scott Pascucci, President Bob Valentine and Chief Publishing Officer Jim Selby; Rimas Entertainment Founder & CEO Noah Assad; HYBE Chairman Si-Hyuk Bang, CEO Jiwon Park, HYBE America CEO's Scooter Braun and Lenzo Yoon; Quality Control Co-founder and CEO Pierre P Thomas, Co-founder and COO Kevin Coach K Lee; and Big Loud Partner and CEO Seth England.
In 2022, in the first full year since becoming a freestanding public company, UMG built on its track record of being the most successful company in the music industry, achieving new levels of growth, innovation and success. On the global charts, the performance of UMG artists and songwriters from around the world contributed to this success, with standout performances from artists, including: Taylor Swift; Olivia Rodrigo; The Weeknd; The Beatles, Kendrick Lamar; Drake; BTS; Karol G; Glass Animals; Imagine Dragons; Rammstein; Helene Fischer; ABBA; Elton John; Eminem; Justin Bieber; King & Prince; Lil Baby; and Billie Eilish, among many others.
NEWS & PRESS
Ostereo expands team and music catalogue with new hires and signings
New hires include Campaign Manager for Asia and A&R/Digital Manager Original records to be released in 2024 for numerous domestic and overseas artists Ostereo reports international streaming success Ostereo, the UK-based music label and publishing company, has announced an expansion with new hires and signings...more
Nadia Khan appointed as Chair of EarthPercent
EarthPercent, the charity which harnesses the power of the music industry to support the most impactful climate organisations around the world, has announced the appointment of Nadia Khan as its Chair. Nadia Khan is the first externally appointed Chair to the...more
Showcasing diversity in the European independent music scene -Â Impala's 100 Artists to Watch for 2024 in collaboration with YouTube
For the third year in a row, IMPALA returns with its highly anticipated 100 Artists to Watch 2024 edition in collaboration with YouTube. This year, we're excited to showcase a vibrant selection of emerging talent from across the European independent...more
Taylor Swift, SEVENTEEN and Morgan Wallen top IFPI Global Album Charts
IFPI releases three more Global Charts for 2023, celebrating the biggest albums of the year across different formats SEVENTEEN, who reached #1 on IFPI’s Global Album and Global Album Sales Charts, pose with their awards. (Photo courtesy of PLEDIS Entertainment) IFPI, the...more
Wise Music Group sign Portico Quartet
Wise Music Group announces the signing of Portico Quartet to the global independent publishing group, as they join the roster through Campbell Connelly & Co in an exclusive songwriter agreement. The deal includes their back catalogue and future work. Led by...more
Universal Music Group and Spotify Expand Strategic Relationship
Companies to collaborate on new promotional and social tools to help artists and songwriters drive interaction and excitement around new releases UMG artists will soon be able to share short pre-release teasers and expanded pre-save opportunities on Spotify Universal Music Group (UMG),...more
IMS Ibiza 2024 - Full Summit Program Announced
IMS Ibiza, the thought-leadership platform at the intersection of culture, education, industry, and wellness in electronic music, announces today the full program for the fifteenth edition of the summit. Across 60+ discussions and sessions, 125+ speakers will come together with...more
Jordan Rakei announced as the inaugural ‘Artist In Residence’ at Abbey Road Studios
Today (27th March), Jordan Rakei has been announced as the first ever ‘Artist In Residence’ at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios. The role is the first in a series of new ‘in residence’ appointments, designed to enhance Abbey Road’s position...more
Miraval’s Mystery Vinyl [Music For Your Tastebuds] Pop Up Record Shop From Record Store Day & Studio By Miraval
Record Store Day and Studio by Miraval team up to launch pop-up record shop on Wednesday 17th April Vinyl enthusiasts have the chance to take home a brand-new mystery record and enjoy a glass of Studio by Miraval Rosé- for just £5! Proceeds...more
Jarvis Cocker and Darcus Beese OBE among keynote speakers revealed for the Great Escape Conference
TOM GRAY AND YOLANDA BROWN ALSO REVEALED FOR KEYNOTES PLUS AIM JOIN AS A CONFERENCE COLLABORATOR DOZENS MORE SPEAKERS The Great Escape has announced a raft of music legends and industry leaders as keynote speakers for its newly revamped conference, including Pulp frontman Jarvis...more
PPL pays out £18.8 million of international revenue in Q1 distribution
In today’s Q1 distribution of international revenue, PPL is paying £18.8 million to over 22,000 performers and recording rights holders. The payment is up 7% on the Q1 payment made in March 2023. The first of four payments made by...more
TCE Presents & Broadwick group announce partnership
TCE PRESENTS & BROADWICK ISSUE A JOINT STATEMENT: Pioneering spaces and culture group 'Broadwick', and New York's leading event design company 'TCE presents', announce new US venture Respectively revered for their work within the global live events industry, today - two of...more
Manana Music Management launch new full service venture for Scotland's electronic music scene
Mañana Music Management, the Glasgow-based management company behind Joesef, t e s t p r e s s, Theo Bleak and Citizen Papes are delighted to announce a new electronic-based music venture: Mañana Electronic. Operating as a full service company, Mañana Electronic will offer expertise in management,...more
Soundmouse by Orfium appointed official music reporting partner for South Korean broadcast industry
Soundmouse by Orfium will enable music creators and rights holders in the world’s seventh largest music market to receive accurate and transparent royalty payments for the use of their music on radio and television Soundmouse by Orfium (“the Company”) has been selected by...more
Loop.Fans launches Web3 Music Awards - Helping Emerging Artists Grow through AI and Blockchain Technology
Website | Awards Loop.Fans is here to empower both Artists and SuperFans by leveraging the power of the latest Web3, AI and blockchain technology. The platform enables emerging talent in the electronic music industry to gain new followers, engage with and...more
GENIE (Gender Equality Networks in Europe) Project Launch
Launch Date: 2 April 2024 www.geniedatabase.comInstagram: @geniedatabase Gender equality activist and researcher Grace Goodwin launches GENIE (Gender Equality Networks in Europe), an online database of over 300 projects across 25 countries supporting gender equality in music. The database features projects ranging...more
Teddy Swims signs to Warner Chappell Music
Powerhouse Vocalist Hit No. 1 On The Billboard Hot 100 This Week With His Global Smash “Lose Control” Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed a global publishing deal with masterful singer and songwriter, Teddy Swims. With his RIAA platinum-certified smash hit...more
So.Co Image of Music Awards 2024Â winners announced
VIEW IMAGES HERE Winners of seven categories unveiled at lively event in London Fearghal McGlinchey crowned Music Photographer of the Year McGlinchey also wins Image of Music with shot of Greta Van Fleet Young Music Photographer of the Year awarded to Grace Prachthauser Jill Furmanovsky...more
Concord Music Publishing signs legendary soul singer and songwriter William Bell
Today, Concord Music Publishing announced the signing of iconic soul singer-songwriter, legend of Stax Records and Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductee William Bell. The administration deal, effective immediately, includes a selection of Bell’s catalog and all future works. William Bell states: "I am very...more
Grassroots music inquiry - FAC comment
Today, the Culture Media & Sport Committee held three evidence sessions to explore the ongoing crisis in the grassroots music sector, after 125 venues reportedly abandoned live music in 2023. In the third of these sessions, David Martin, CEO, Featured Artists Coalition, appeared alongside...more
Bruce Springsteen to become a Fellow of the Ivors Academy
SPRINGSTEEN MAKES HISTORY AS THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITER TO RECEIVE THE HONOUR FELLOWSHIP RECOGNISES HIS INFLUENCE AND IMPACT ON THE CRAFT OF SONGWRITING Bruce Springsteen will receive the award at the world’s biggest and most prestigious celebration of songwriters, The Ivors with...more
The Radio Academy announces nominees for ARIAS 2024
Hosted by Alice Levine & Romesh Ranganathan, plus backstage interviews with Sam Thompson The Radio Academy today reveals the 211 nominees that will be recognised at the 2024 ARIAS on Tuesday 7th May at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London.The Radio Academy ARIAS (Audio and Radio Industry Awards) are the UK's leading audio and radio awards that...more
Hybe and Universal Music Group announce new global alliance
The new global agreement will give UMG exclusive distribution rights across HYBE's roster of artists and labels HYBE today announced an expanded long-term agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG), providing them exclusive distribution rights across HYBE music for the next 10...more
Rewind and Fast Forward: Keychange announces Impact Evaluation Report
Rewind and Fast Forward: Keychange announces Impact Evaluation Report (2018 - 2023) and unveils Keychange Manifesto 2.0 Celebrating 5 years of transformative impact and charting the path forward for gender equity in music at Tallinn Music Week in Estonia on April...more
Calling All Music Creators! UK Music Needs Your Help
UK Music is launching its 2024 economic survey for music creators. As the collective voice for the UK music industry, UK Music needs data on creator’s earnings in 2023 to help it to calculate the economic contribution the industry made to the...more
AIF statement on Shindig Festival closure
Comment from AIF CEO John Rostron on Shindig Festival's announcement that its 2024 edition will be its last. This is now the 28th UK festival to announce its postponement, cancellation or closure in 2024. A full list of lost festivals can be found here. AIF...more
Royal Albert Hall’s songwriter showcase goes national
The Royal Albert Hall’s ‘Future Makers’ programme, for musicians aged 14 to 19 who write their own music, is going national for the first time. The project, which has been running across London since 2022, provides talented young musicians with a...more
FKP Scorpio UK & Communion Presents announce formation of Communion One
THE TWO COMPANIES JOIN FORCES AS LIVE PROMOTERS FOR LIKES OF ED SHEERAN, SAM FENDER, NOAH KAHAN, PHOEBE BRIDGERS, LEWIS CAPALDI, AND MITSKI COMMUNION ONE TO PRODUCE 15,000 CAPACITY THREE NIGHT LIVE EVENT SERIES AT BRISTOL’S QUEEN SQUARE FROM 2025...more
Turn on, tune in, rock out: introducing the UK's newest music television destination - Staccs TV
Staccs TV will offer high-quality music videos, concert clips, exclusive recordings and original programming - on Samsung TV Plus Staccs TV is the latest free, ad-supported television (FAST) channel available to UK viewers Expansion marks a milestone for the Swedish start up,...more
Yolanda Brown breaks a Guinness World Records title
THE MOST MONEY RAISED BY A RESTAURANT ON KICKSTARTER WORLDWIDE YOLANDA BROWN OBE DL PUSHES BOUNDARIES AND RAISES QUARTER OF A MILLION POUND FOR MUSIC VENUE AND RESTAURANT ‘SOUL MAMA’ YOLANDA BROWN - CHANGING THE FACE OF VENUE OWNERSHIP Today, musician, broadcaster, composer and philanthropist, YolanDa Brown...more
THE HEADLINES
Is the US too reliant on paid subscriptions? (see Analysis)
Misogyny, sexual discrimination and harassment are still everyday problems for female musicians (see Reports)
Believe's board asks Warner Music Group to make acquisition offer (see Business)
Why are IFPI & MIDiA’s 2023 revenue figures so far apart? (see Analysis)
IFPI: Global recorded music revenues grew 10.2% in 2023 (see Reports)
How have one-hit wonders changed over time? (see Analysis)
TikTok: MPs raise concerns about UK ownership (see News); AI ambitions (see Digital); UK Artist Playbook (see Reports)
The composer with 650 different names identified as Sweden’s most-listened-to artist on Spotify (see Digital)
Recorded Music Market report shows 9.8% growth in 2023 (see Reports)
Spotify updates its Loud & Clear website with 2023 data (see Reports)
Murmur launches with pledges to drive change in environmental solutions (see News)
Global music revenue continued to rise in 2023. So why are some music organisations sounding the alarm? (see Comment)
Can Sweden keep its edge in the music industry? (see Features)
Industry welcomes Labour Party's pledges to the music sector (see News)