


Matt Ellis
Matt Ellis Named as Universal Music Group’s Chief Financial Officer
Former Verizon CFO Brings Deep Financial Expertise to UMG Leadership
Highly regarded global finance executive Matt Ellis has been named as Universal Music Group's (UMG) Chief Financial Officer, effective June 9.
Why it matters:
Ellis will be based in Santa Monica, and report directly to UMG Chairman/CEO Sir Lucian Grainge.
Most recently, Ellis served as Executive Vice President and CFO at Verizon Communications, leading all finance activities.
Ellis succeeds Boyd Muir, who was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of UMG in October 2024 but continued in the CFO role during the search for his replacement.
Ellis's appointment will free up Muir to focus on "a range of strategic growth initiatives", while supporting Grainge in "the day-to-day management of many of our global corporate and divisional functions".
What they said:
Grainge: "We wanted to find the right executive who brings a global worldview and deep financial expertise across a range of industries including media, technology and consumer goods".
Ellis: "I am incredibly excited to join UMG at this time and help the team deliver the ambitious commercial and financial goals that they have outlined".
Highly regarded global finance executive Matt Ellis has been named as Universal Music Group's (UMG) Chief Financial Officer, effective June 9.
Why it matters:
Ellis will be based in Santa Monica, and report directly to UMG Chairman/CEO Sir Lucian Grainge.
Most recently, Ellis served as Executive Vice President and CFO at Verizon Communications, leading all finance activities.
Ellis succeeds Boyd Muir, who was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of UMG in October 2024 but continued in the CFO role during the search for his replacement.
Ellis's appointment will free up Muir to focus on "a range of strategic growth initiatives", while supporting Grainge in "the day-to-day management of many of our global corporate and divisional functions".
What they said:
Grainge: "We wanted to find the right executive who brings a global worldview and deep financial expertise across a range of industries including media, technology and consumer goods".
Ellis: "I am incredibly excited to join UMG at this time and help the team deliver the ambitious commercial and financial goals that they have outlined".
Highly regarded global finance executive Matt Ellis has been named as Universal Music Group's (UMG) Chief Financial Officer, effective June 9.
Why it matters:
Ellis will be based in Santa Monica, and report directly to UMG Chairman/CEO Sir Lucian Grainge.
Most recently, Ellis served as Executive Vice President and CFO at Verizon Communications, leading all finance activities.
Ellis succeeds Boyd Muir, who was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of UMG in October 2024 but continued in the CFO role during the search for his replacement.
Ellis's appointment will free up Muir to focus on "a range of strategic growth initiatives", while supporting Grainge in "the day-to-day management of many of our global corporate and divisional functions".
What they said:
Grainge: "We wanted to find the right executive who brings a global worldview and deep financial expertise across a range of industries including media, technology and consumer goods".
Ellis: "I am incredibly excited to join UMG at this time and help the team deliver the ambitious commercial and financial goals that they have outlined".
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This article was selected by the author based on their judgement that it would be interesting to readers.
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
Related Articles

Careers & People
Dec 8, 2025
1 min read
Jody Williams to Head Vince Gill’s Management Team
The exec has been Gill’s publisher for four years

Careers & People
Dec 4, 2025
1 min read
Dave Rocco Appointed Chief Creative Officer of Atlantic Music Group
In this newly created position, Rocco will oversee global strategy and creative vision for the WMG subsidiary

Careers & People
Dec 4, 2025
1 min read
Skyline Artists Closes After 35 Years
Founder and President Bruce Houghton: “Skyline had an incredible run.”

Jody Williams to Head Vince Gill’s Management Team
The exec has been Gill’s publisher for four years

Rod Yates
Careers
Dec 8, 2025

Dave Rocco Appointed Chief Creative Officer of Atlantic Music Group
In this newly created position, Rocco will oversee global strategy and creative vision for the WMG subsidiary

Harry Levin
Careers
Dec 4, 2025

Skyline Artists Closes After 35 Years
Founder and President Bruce Houghton: “Skyline had an incredible run.”

Rod Yates
Careers
Dec 4, 2025

Sony Music Publishing Elevates Jeff Smarr to SVP of Global Copyright
The exec is a 31-year veteran of the company

Rod Yates
Careers
Dec 4, 2025

Chris Granger Appointed CEO of Oak View Group
The exec has served as Interim CEO since July 2025

Rod Yates
Careers
Dec 3, 2025

Rob Markus Promoted to Head of International Music at WME
Markus has been at WME for over two decades

Harry Levin
Careers
Dec 1, 2025





