Universal Music Group (UMG) has begun the final phase of its plan to save 250 million euros annually, with senior executive departures across its US and European businesses.
The changes became known on October 14. The same day, Warner appointed Jim Roppo, previously president and chief executive of Republic Records, to a senior role.
Departures across US and European labels
Tunji Balogun, president and chief executive of Def Jam Recordings, will leave at the end of the year. Other departures include:
- Nicole Wyskoarko and Sam Riback, who lead two artists and repertoire (A&R) divisions at Interscope Geffen A&M.
- Ben Mortimer, president of Polydor in the UK.
- Mark Crossingham, managing director of UMG Ireland.
- Ivo Sacchi, managing director for Switzerland and Austria.
Hannah Neaves, president of UM Recordings UK, and Rebecca Allen, director of artists and strategy at UMG UK, will move into consultancy roles.
UMG issued a general statement about the changes. A spokesperson said: “Our continued success has been based on our ability to anticipate changes in the industry and act early.”
“Where we have made the difficult decision to eliminate certain roles, we are deeply grateful for the contributions of the people leaving us.”
New responsibilities across the group
Tyler Arnold of Mercury and Jeffrey Remedios of Republic Collective are taking on leadership responsibilities at Republic Records.
Island co-chief executives Imran Majid and Justin Eshak are expanding their remit across the East Coast labels.
Laura Carter, Ramon Alvarez-Smikle and Michelle An are taking on greater responsibilities at Interscope Geffen A&M.
Ulf Zick will take responsibility for Switzerland and Austria, while Nick Younger will oversee Ireland. Details of some roles are expected in the coming weeks.
Savings programme extends into 2027
Announced in February 2024 as a “strategic organisational redesign”, the programme targeted annual savings of 250 million euros, approximately 271 million dollars.
Chief financial officer Matt Ellis put savings achieved in 2025 at 90 million euros. Further savings are expected as follows:
- 40 to 50 million euros more in 2026.
- A further 35 to 45 million euros taking effect in 2027, when the programme is expected to conclude.
The initial commitment was to achieve the full savings “by the end of 2026”. The latest departures follow staff reductions in recent weeks in divisions including Germany and Canada.
Jim Roppo joins Warner Records Group
Warner Records Group has appointed Roppo vice chairman. He will oversee operations across all its labels and report to president and chief executive Aaron Bay-Schuck.
Roppo will be based in Los Angeles. His start date will be announced later.
He leaves Universal after nearly three decades, initially at Island Def Jam and, from 2012, at Republic. He worked on campaigns for Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Drake and The Weeknd.
“Everything we do is rooted in artist development, and Jim has dedicated his career to ensuring that creators have the tools, resources and support to reach their full potential,” Bay-Schuck said.
Warner Music Group confirmed Bay-Schuck as the label’s sole leader in September, in the same reorganisation that appointed Andrés Rothschild president of Warner Music Iberia.
“I’m delighted to join Warner Records at such an important moment,” Roppo said.
Universal has also recently promoted Frank Briegmann to lead its European business.
