Universal Music Group Restructures US And UK Leadership

Universal Music Group (UMG) is reshaping its US and UK leadership, with several senior executives departing or moving into expanded roles as the major progresses its €250 million (approx. USD $270 million) annual cost-saving program.

Executive departures:

• Jim Roppo, Chairman and CEO of Republic Records, is leaving to join Warner Records as Vice Chairman.

• Tunji Balogun, Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, will depart by year-end.

• Interscope Geffen A&M (IGA) Presidents of A&R Nicole Wyskoarko and Sam Riback are also leaving.

• Ben Mortimer is exiting as President of the UK’s Polydor Label Group, while Hannah Heaves will move from President of UMRecordings UK into a consultancy role.

• Rebecca Allen is stepping down as Chief Artist and Strategy Officer at UMG UK after 27 years with the company.

• UMG Ireland Managing Director Mark Crossingham is leaving, with Nick Younger named as his successor.

Leadership changes:

• According to Music Business Worldwide, Island Records Co-CEOs Imran Majid and Justin Eshak will assume broader roles across UMG’s East Coast labels.

• Jeffrey Remedios and Tyler Arnold are taking on new leadership roles at Republic Records.

• Laura Carter, Ramon Alvarez-Smikle and Michelle An will expand their responsibilities at IGA.

• As per the Los Angeles Times, the wider Interscope Capitol Labels Group will remain under CEO John Janick.

Cost-cutting:

• The changes follow recent headcount reductions in Canada and Germany.

• UMG reported €90 million in savings during 2025 and expects a further €40-50 million in 2026, with another €35-€45 million forecast for 2027.