MBW revealed last month that long-serving Sony Music exec Adam Granite was leaving the major. Now, we can reveal why: he’s been hired by rival Universal.
We’re told Granite will take up the newly-created position of EVP, Market Development at UMG in September.
He will work out of Universal’s London office and report directly to UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge.
MBW understands that Granite will work on various initiatives at Universal covering M&A, licensing and emerging markets (including China, India and Africa) – as well as supporting the company’s global marketing activities.
UPDATE: Universal has confirmed the news.
Sir Lucian Grainge said, “More than ever, to be successful in an increasingly global music business, you must be able to maximize opportunities in markets around the world. With Adam, we are adding an experienced executive to UMG’s deep bench and gaining someone with a global track record of commercial success.”
Adam Granite said: “Universal Music Group is the gold standard when it comes to breaking artists across international markets,” “With the global nature of today’s music industry, artists have access to audiences around the world and the ability to broadly influence culture on a scale never before seen. It’s a tremendously exciting time and I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to UMG and working with their renowned team of artists and executives.”
Granite spent 21 years at Sony Music Entertainment.
In 2011, he became President, Northern & Eastern Europe and Africa for Sony and, post-2014, was responsible for both Sony’s operations and licensed operations across those territories.
Granite was also a key member of Sony Music’s International Executive Management team, where he led digital strategy, A&R, marketing, brands, market segmentation & consumer insights, and international sales & distribution deals.
Prior to 2011, he was Executive Vice President, Sony Music International and also spent a stint as GM of Epic Records.
Between 2011 and 2016, Granite reported to Sony Music Entertainment International Chairman and CEO Edgar Berger, who exited the major after 12 years in January.Music Business Worldwide
