Universal Music Group has appointed global industry veteran Adam Granite to executive vice president of market development. In his new role, which begins Sept. 1, based in London, Granite will work on enhancing commercial opportunities for UMG artists and labels across Europe and emerging markets in Asia and Africa. He'll also lead on the company's global strategy for marketing, distribution, licensing and acquisitions.
Granite will report directly to Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of UMG, who commented that "more than ever, to be successful in an increasingly global music business, you must be able to maximize opportunities in markets around the world. With Adam, we are adding an experienced executive to UMG’s deep bench and gaining someone with a global track record of commercial success."
Since 2014, Granite has served as president of Northern and Eastern Europe and Africa for Sony Music Entertainment, in charge of operations both in-house and licensed in those territories. As a member of Sony's executive team for the international space, he led digital strategy, A&R, marketing, brands, marketing, brands, market segmentation & consumer insights, and international sales & distribution deals. Prior roles in the industry included executive vp of Sony Music International and general manager of Epic Records.
"Universal Music Group is the gold standard when it comes to breaking artists across international markets," Granite said in a statement. "With the global nature of today’s music industry, artists have access to audiences around the world and the ability to broadly influence culture on a scale never before seen. It’s a tremendously exciting time and I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to UMG and working with their renowned team of artists and executives."
