MUMBAI: Universal Music Italy has appointed Alessandro Massara as managing director, effective immediately.

Massara will report to Universal Music Group International president Mediterranean, South America and Middle East Pascal Negre.

Massara has been director of Universal Music Italy’s Domestic Division since 2008.  Previously, he served as managing director of V2 Records Italy from 1999-2007.

Negre said, “Our Italian company has been growing in the last couple of years.  The goal with Alessandro at the helm will be to continue this momentum, focusing especially on signing and developing new talent, and exploring new avenues for our business.”

Massara added, “This is going to be a fantastic challenge for me.  I’m grateful to Pascal Negre for the opportunity, and I’m confident that we will be able to find innovative, creative solutions to the challenges currently facing the music industry in our country.”