MUMBAI: David Joseph has been appointed the new Chairman, CEO of Universal Music UK, reporting directly to Universal Music Group International Chairman, CEO Lucian Grainge.
Grainge makes the appointment, which is effective immediately, as Universal Music UK builds its 2008 hot streak with this week’s No. 1 album and single, both from A&M/Polydor breakthrough artist Duffy.
Joseph, who was previously co-President of Polydor Records and President of Universal Music Operations, has been with the company for 10 years.
This promotion fills a role which has been overseen by Grainge since his elevation to UMGI Chairman, CEO in 2005. All divisions of Universal Music UK now report directly to Joseph, including the frontline labels Island, Mercury, Polydor, Universal Classics & Jazz (UCJ) and UMTV. In addition, he will continue with his responsibilities as co-President of Polydor.
Grainge said, "David is a gifted music executive with exceptional creative instincts and a reputation for uncomplicated thinking and for honor. He has played a central role in building Polydor’s UK market supremacy, developing a talented team which has continued to fuel this creative powerhouse."
He added, "Universal Music UK benefited when David took additional responsibilities two years ago as President of Universal Music Operations. Today, the strength of the UK team and all our labels allows me to spend more time on international strategy. With David now advancing to U.K. Chairman, I will – as mandated by Universal Music group chairman, CEO Doug Morris – be able to concentrate more than ever on our international creative growth and A&R focus, and our overall business development."
Universal Music currently has more than 50% of the UK album market thanks to the success of artists from across the company, including Island’s Amy Winehouse and Mika, Mercury’s Amy Macdonald and David Jordan, UCJ’s Katherine Jenkins, and Polydor’s Duffy.
Joseph said, "I’m inheriting a company which is full of optimism. There is creativity and success coming out of every team across Universal Music UK, and I am very flattered to be asked to work with all of them."
Joseph, 39, joined Universal Music in 1998 as General Manager of Polydor UK. He subsequently held posts as the label’s Managing Director and co-President, and in 2006, as President, Universal Music Operations. Previously, Joseph was at RCA Records and games company Sega.
