Universal Music UK has appointed Rebecca Allen as the new president of Decca Records Group UK. The seasoned veteran with 17 years of experience at the music label, held previous positions including director of media, general media and managing director within Universal Music before her promotion.
“Becky is an extraordinary executive,” stated David Joseph, Universal Music UK chairman and CEO. “Her passion for artists and every area of repertoire is matched only by the very obvious satisfaction she gets out of running an incredible team. Pretty much any genre goes at Decca, but the one thing that is predictable is that when Becky and her team get behind a project, there would have to be a very good reason for it not to be a success. She is an exceptional leader who is loved by everyone around her, but it would be a mistake to underestimate her steely determination. This is a very well-deserved promotion.”
During her time at Universal Music, Allen had the opportunity to work with an array of notable artists and bands that range from Gregory Porter and The Shires, Rod Stewart to The Lumineers, Andrea Bocelli, André Rieu and Aled Jones. These successful ventures have led to a number of breakthrough albums, chart-toppers and extended chart accomplishments.
“Becky’s winning drive and enthusiasm is an inspiration to the young company she has built and to the artists she champion,” said Dickon Stainer, president and CEO of global classics and jazz, in a statement. “She is a ground-breaker and a catalyst for change. With her at the helm, anything is possible for Decca -- the label which finds audiences others cannot reach.”
In 2016, Billboard included Allen in its Women in Music: The 100 Most Powerful Executives list that presented the élite dealmakers, influencers, and tastemakers in the music business. The profile embraced Allen’s role in the company, noting she was the first woman to head Decca Records in its whole history. Her talent, capabilities, and success was key to why Decca still remains the UK’s major classical label today.
“Decca is one of the most iconic labels in British music culture, and to be given the opportunity to lead the company forward with a young and ambitious team is a huge privilege,” stated Allen. “We are known for being distinct and for signing the unexpected and I am enormously proud of the entire team at Decca and all our artists. I would like to thank David and Dickon for their continued support of Decca as the company evolves at an extraordinary time of innovation and opportunity for our industry.”
Allen will continue to report under both Joseph and Stainer with her new role.