MUMBAI: One of the Universal Music Group’s most successful European executives has been promoted to an international post. With effect from 1 July, Frank Briegmann becomes the president of Universal Music Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Deutsche Grammophon.

Briegmann has been president and CEO of Universal Music Germany for the past six years. Briegmann will take over operational responsibility for Deutsche Grammophon and for Universal Music companies in Austria and Switzerland. Briegmann joined Universal Music in 2004 from the Bertelsmann Music Group.

At Deutsche Grammophon, president Michael Lang will continue to head this flagship classical label, working with Briegmann to grow its business and pre-eminence internationally. Universal Music Austria managing director Hannes Eder and Universal Music Switzerland managing director Ivo Sacchi will continue in their posts under Briegmann’s leadership.

Universal Music Group International (UMGI) chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge said, "This promotion recognises the significant growth and dynamic leadership which Frank has brought to our Germany business. Not only have he and his team increased our market share in a challenging, competitive environment, but they have also led the way in developing new business strategies, especially in the digital arena, and in breaking new artists."

UMGI executive vice president Max Hole added, "The sensational Eurovision result is a perfect example of Frank’s accomplishments, with Lena’s single Satellite now breaking across Europe and with album sales already exceeding 400,000. What’s more, Universal Music Germany has delivered first-half success this year with domestic artists such as rock crossover act Unheilig, soul/funk/hiphop act Jan Delay, and hiphop/dancehall combo Culcha Candela. Frank’s team continues to outstrip the competition."

Briegmann said, "I am grateful to Lucian and Max for the trust placed in me. I am looking forward to the increased responsibility, and I am confident that our artists will benefit from the synergies of even closer cooperation with the teams around Hannes in Austria and Ivo in Switzerland. In particular, I am looking forward to working with Michael and his team and the internationally successful artists associated with Deutsche Grammophon. It is a company with a historic tradition and a reputation for the highest standards of excellence in the classical field."