Watt will report to Global Digital Business president Rob Wells. Formerly, Watt served as Vice President of Technology for Universal Music Group International.
Based in Los Angeles, Watt will play a key role in helping to drive the ongoing globalization of UMG’s digital businesses. He will be responsible for developing and supporting strategic technical engagements with partners, developing new technology solutions, integrating new business models into the company’s systems and implementing their rollout to international markets. Watt will continue to work closely with companies including Apple, Google, YouTube, Spotify and Microsoft, on behalf of UMG’s record labels and operating companies worldwide.
"As the demand for digital music continues to grow, we are committed to working with those innovative companies in bringing new and dynamic services to fans everywhere. And having a results-driven executive of Simon’s caliber and experience lead our technology group demonstrates that we’ve got the best talent in place to maximize many of these opportunities in the current marketplace," said Wells.
"This is an exciting time for music and technology and I am truly grateful to Rob for the opportunity to play an even larger role in shaping our digital business. We have taken a more progressive approach to working with our technology partners, while at the same time, being very responsive to what our artists, consumers and retailers want. We are determined to help create, support and nurture the very best services in the world for fans and artists alike," added Watt.
Prior to joining Universal Music in 2004, Watt spent 11 years at electronics firm ARM, latterly as Director of Research.
