Stockholm-based Sundin will exit his position as MD, Universal Music Sweden and President, Universal Music Nordic Region, to become CEO of Pop House Group on September 1.
Pop House was co-founded by Björn Ulvaeus in 2014, principally as a way to create unique live events that encapsulate and promote the ABBA brand.
Sundin won’t be leaving UMG entirely, however: in addition to his new role at Pop House, the exec will take on the new role of Non-Executive Chairman, Universal Music Nordic Region.
In this non-exec position, he will continue to report to Frank Briegmann, CEO & President of Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon.
In addition, Briegmann will also receive a seat on the advisory board of POP HOUSE, as the representative for Universal Music.
Per Sundin, designated Non-Executive Chairman of Universal Music Nordic Region and CEO Pop House, said: “I’m profoundly proud and thankful to be able to continue my working relationship with Frank Briegmann and the excellent UMG Nordics family as I step in to my new role, and for the opportunity to embark on a new endeavor in the entertainment business as CEO for Pop House Group.”
Frank Briegmann, CEO & President of Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon: “I have had a very close, trusting and successful working relationship with Per for many years now and I am thrilled that we will continue to collaborate with one another under this new arrangement.
“I’m profoundly proud and thankful to be able to continue my working relationship with Frank Briegmann and the excellent UMG Nordics family as I step in to my new role.”
Per Sundin (pictured)
“ABBA’s wonderful, timeless body of work offers huge potential for generations to come, and I am looking forward to working with Per to provide fans with even more absorbing experiences and provide the artists with more traction around the world.”
Pop House Sweden’s launches so far have included the Pop House Hotel and the dinner show Mamma Mia! – The Party. It’s also been behind the opening of ABBA: The Museum and the Cirkus concert venue, both in Stockholm.
Sundin’s departure from his current role coincides with a new structure at the top of Universal’s Scandinavian companies.
Effective 1 September, Bjorn Rogstad, (General Manager Universal Music Norway), Kimmo Valtanen (General Manager Universal Music Finland) and Joakim Johansson (General Manager/Marketing Director Universal Music Sweden) will each be appointed as Managing Director of their respective countries.
These executives will form the new executive management team for the region alongside Casper Bengtson, who will continue his leadership role as Managing Director Universal Music Denmark.
Frank Briegmann, CEO & President of Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon, said: “As a music market at the forefront of the streaming and digital transformation, the Nordic region continues to play an important role in the future development of the global music ecosystem. In recent years, we have seen many UMG artists from these countries successfully reach new international audiences and find great success around the world, and we will continue to focus on developing the most outstanding talent within the region, both locally and internationally.”
“Over the past few years, Bjorn, Casper, Joakim and Kimmo have worked tirelessly to grow the success of our artists and UMG in their respective markets and have all lead strong local teams for a number of years.”
Frank Briegmann, UMG
He added: “Congratulations to Bjorn, Joakim and Kimmo for their respective appointments to the role of Managing Director. Over the past few years, Bjorn, Casper, Joakim and Kimmo have worked tirelessly to grow the success of our artists and UMG in their respective markets and have all lead strong local teams for a number of years.
“Together we will continue to strengthen the creative cooperation between all of our Northern European territories and beyond. I look forward to continuing my close working relationship with my great colleagues in Central Europe, as we write further success stories in the region and globally.”Music Business Worldwide
