Dickon Stainer Appointed Chairman and CEO of Universal Music U.K.

LONDON, U.K. — Long-serving executive Dickon Stainer has been appointed chairman and CEO of Universal Music U.K., succeeding David Joseph, who announced he was stepping down from the role after almost 17 years in charge on Monday (Sept. 23).

Stainer’s appointment was announced in a memo from Lucian Grainge sent to staff on Tuesday (Sept. 24). For the last 10 years, Stainer has served as president and CEO of Universal Music Group’s Global Classics and Jazz division, splitting his time between London and New York.

“Dickon has embraced an expansive musical worldview throughout his career, taking artists from a wide variety of genres and bringing them to audiences globally,” said Grainge in the memo, which has been viewed by Billboard, and accompanying press release.

“He not only has deep experience in leveraging our worldwide organization on behalf of our artists, but a track record that includes global commercial and creative artist successes and countless awards in many countries,” said Grainge, who thanked outgoing CEO and chairman David Joseph for his “many contributions. He leaves with our gratitude.”

In his new role, Stainer will be responsible for leading the overall management and strategic direction of Universal Music U.K., including Island EMI Label Group, Polydor Label Group, Decca Records, the recently formed Audience and Media Division, as well as Abbey Road Studios.

In addition to his new responsibilities, Stainer will continue his long association with UMG’s Global Classics and Jazz division in the capacity of chairman, Grainge told staff. Announcements regarding new leadership roles and internal promotions in these businesses will be made shortly, said the UMG chief.

“It is an honour to be asked by Sir Lucian Grainge to lead Universal Music U.K. The depth of talent that we have at the company, coupled with our remarkable roster of artists, gives me tremendous confidence in what we can achieve together,” said Stainer in a statement.

He continued: “Having worked in both the international and domestic divisions of UMG, I know how central the U.K. is to the global music industry – a vital repertoire source that provides the world with great artists and great music. I can’t wait to get started.”

The reorganization at the top of Universal U.K. comes just a few months after the company announced it was merging its historic Island and EMI label divisions and forming two new frontline label groups: Island EMI Label Group, headed by Louis Bloom as president, and Polydor Label Group, led by Ben Mortimer.

The U.K. arm of Universal Music is additionally launching a new Audience and Media Division to support artists and labels, headed by Rebecca Allen.