Universal Music Group has made significant changes to its international structure, with recent recruit Adam Granite becoming responsible for Greater China, India and other territories.
MBW understands that Adrian Cheesley, SVP of Universal Music Group International, will be leaving the company as a result.
According to an internal memo sent by UMG CEO & Chairman Sir Lucian Grainge earlier today, the moves are designed to “build on our successful track record and continue to provide our artists and labels with the greatest possible resources and global reach”.
As part of the changes, Granite (pictured) will lead the major’s efforts in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
In addition, he will oversee other key emerging markets including India, Sub-Saharan and North Africa, Turkey and the Middle East.
Each of UMG’s territory heads in these regions will report directly to Granite.
“[These changes will] build on our successful track record and continue to provide our artists and labels with the greatest possible resources and global reach.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG
Universal Music Group’s President of Asia-Pacific, George Ash, will continue to oversee the major’s teams in Southeast Asia and Korea.
In his internal note, Grainge asked UMG’s workforce to “please join me in congratulating Adam on his new responsibilities and offering him our full support as we work together to seize the opportunities in these dynamic markets”.
Adam Granite joined Universal as EVP, Market Development last summer following 21 years at Sony Music.
The exec works out of Universal’s London office, reporting directly to Grainge.
Adrian Cheesley was at KMPG before joining EMI nearly 30 years ago in 1990.
Having worked at the major as President of Asia Pacific/Latin America at EMI, he became part of Universal after its buyout of the British major record company was cleared in September 2012.
Earlier this week, MBW revealed that Universal had acquired a majority stake in Kenya-based AI Records, which owns one of the biggest catalogues of East African music in the world.Music Business Worldwide
