Universal Music UK Shakeup—Chairman/CEO David Joseph Gone

Universal Music UK announces the appointment of Dickon Stainer as Chairman and CEO, following the departure of David Joseph after 17 years.

Universal Music Group Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge has announced appointing Dickon Stainer as Chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK. Stainer follows longtime Chairman and CEO David Joseph, who held the position for nearly 17 years and recently announced his departure.

In this new role, Stainer is in charge of the overall management and strategic direction of Universal Music UK. Divisions including the newly-created Island EMI Label Group and Polydor Label Group, as well as Decca Records and Abbey Road Studios, will report to him. Stainer served as President and CEO of Universal Music Group’s Global Classics and Jazz division, splitting his time between London and New York.

Further, Stainer will also continue in the capacity of Chairman of Global Classics and Jazz. Announcements regarding new leadership roles and internal promotions will be made in the coming weeks.

The changes come on the heels of UMG announcing it was merging its EMI label divisions as part of a broader restructuring. This restructuring created two new divisions: Island EMI Label Group (with president Louis Bloom), and Polydor Label Group (headed by Ben Mortimer), which itself followed some divisional realignments in the US-based UMG label group.

“Dickon has embraced an expansive musical worldview throughout his career, taking artists from a wide variety of genres and bringing them to audiences globally,” said Grainge. “He not only has deep experience in leveraging our worldwide organization on behalf of our artists, but a track record that includes global commercial and creative artist successes and countless awards in many countries.”

“I would also like to thank David Joseph for his many contributions,” Grainge adds. “He leaves with our gratitude.”

Stainer said, “It is an honor to be asked by Sir Lucian Grainge to lead Universal Music UK. The depth of talent that we have at the company, coupled with our remarkable roster of artists, gives me tremendous confidence in what we can achieve together. Having worked in both the international and domestic divisions of UMG, I know how central the UK is to the global music industry — a vital repertoire source that provides the world with great artists and great music. I can’t wait to get started.”

Stainer has enjoyed success on the global stage, consistently championing a generation of international talent. That includes Grammy wins for Jon Batiste for Album of the Year in 2022, and Samara Joy for Best New Artist in 2023.

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