Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the world’s leading music companies is facing leadership change across several of it’s record labels and international operation.
The report lists several senior executives leaving their positions, including Jim Roppo of Republic Records, Tunji Balogun of Def Jam Recordings, and Nicole Wyskoarko of Interscope. Other names mentioned include Sam Riback, Ben Mortimer, Rebecca Allen, Hannah Neaves, Mark Crossingham and Ivo Sacchi, whose roles are associated with various UMG divisions across United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe.
Additionally, they are claims that more than 12 employees have been laid off in Canada. However it does not explain why the workers were affected. The goal is to save about $270 million a year by the end of 2026 by reducing staff and making the company run more efficiently.
“Our consistent success has been built on our ability to anticipate industry changes, act early to better serve all our artists and songwriters, and capture opportunities in music’s fastest-growing areas,” a UMG spokesperson said in a statement.
“We’re bringing in new skills and technology and connecting expertise across our teams to deliver greater global impact and greater efficiency,” the UMG statement said. “Where we have made the difficult decision to remove certain roles, we are deeply grateful for the contributions of the people leaving us.”
When the plan was announced in 2024, UMG said the goal was to cut costs in targeted areas while strengthening its labels’ ability to connect artists with fans.
