


Photo Credit: Gabriella Spiegel
UMG Confirms James Steven as EVP & Chief Communications Officer
The exec was formerly the CCO at Warner Music Group
Universal Music Group (UMG) has appointed James Steven as its Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer, effective January 26.
The role:
Steven will lead the company’s internal and external communications, and oversee the communications functions of UMG’s operating companies worldwide.
He will be based in New York and report to UMG’s Chief Administrative Officer, Will Tanous.
Backstory:
Steven has been Chief Communications Officer at Warner Music Group (WMG) for the past 10 years.
Prior to joining WMG in 2007 he held senior roles at various PR firms, working with clients across the technology, entertainment, automobile, and food industries.
He is currently a board member of the Recording Industry Association of America.
What they said:
Will Tanous: “I know first-hand the extraordinary skill and dedication James brings to strategic communications and storytelling. His love of music and his broad experience across media and technology makes him an ideal fit for UMG as we enter the next phase of growth, driven by strategic initiatives that will unlock new opportunities for artists, songwriters, and fans alike.”
Universal Music Group (UMG) has appointed James Steven as its Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer, effective January 26.
The role:
Steven will lead the company’s internal and external communications, and oversee the communications functions of UMG’s operating companies worldwide.
He will be based in New York and report to UMG’s Chief Administrative Officer, Will Tanous.
Backstory:
Steven has been Chief Communications Officer at Warner Music Group (WMG) for the past 10 years.
Prior to joining WMG in 2007 he held senior roles at various PR firms, working with clients across the technology, entertainment, automobile, and food industries.
He is currently a board member of the Recording Industry Association of America.
What they said:
Will Tanous: “I know first-hand the extraordinary skill and dedication James brings to strategic communications and storytelling. His love of music and his broad experience across media and technology makes him an ideal fit for UMG as we enter the next phase of growth, driven by strategic initiatives that will unlock new opportunities for artists, songwriters, and fans alike.”
Universal Music Group (UMG) has appointed James Steven as its Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer, effective January 26.
The role:
Steven will lead the company’s internal and external communications, and oversee the communications functions of UMG’s operating companies worldwide.
He will be based in New York and report to UMG’s Chief Administrative Officer, Will Tanous.
Backstory:
Steven has been Chief Communications Officer at Warner Music Group (WMG) for the past 10 years.
Prior to joining WMG in 2007 he held senior roles at various PR firms, working with clients across the technology, entertainment, automobile, and food industries.
He is currently a board member of the Recording Industry Association of America.
What they said:
Will Tanous: “I know first-hand the extraordinary skill and dedication James brings to strategic communications and storytelling. His love of music and his broad experience across media and technology makes him an ideal fit for UMG as we enter the next phase of growth, driven by strategic initiatives that will unlock new opportunities for artists, songwriters, and fans alike.”
James Steven
Will Tanous
Warner Music Group
Recording Industry Association of America
Universal Music Group (UMG)
Executive Moves
Executive Leadership Changes
Industry Personnel Changes
Major Label Executive Poaching
Executive Appointments
Executive Departure
Executive Leadership
Major Labels
Record Labels
United States
New York, US
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This story was written with information from UMG’s press release.
We covered it because it’s news of an executive appointment at UMG.
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