Universal Music Group has reorganized its Nashville-based operations.
Highly respected Music Row executive Mike Harris, who served as COO, EVP of UMG Nashville, has been appointed CEO.
Dave Cobb, a nine-time Grammy Award-winning producer who UMG notes has “had significant influence on the sound of Music City”, has been appointed Chief Creative Officer.
As reported earlier, Cindy Mabe, Chair and CEO of UMG Nashville since April 2023, is leaving the company “to pursue new opportunities”.
In making the announcement, Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG, said: “We see an incredible opportunity to expand our presence in Nashville and build upon our industry leading track record.
“The worldwide success of our country artists demonstrate that the genre truly has no boundaries and I’m excited for what lies ahead creatively and commercially.”
Credit: Austin Hargrave
“The worldwide success of our country artists demonstrate that the genre truly has no boundaries and I’m excited for what lies ahead creatively and commercially.”
Sir Lucian Grainge
Grainge added: “I want to thank Cindy Mabe for all her contributions to our Nashville company. She leaves UMG with our gratitude and respect.”
Harris joined UMG Nashville as EVP, COO in 2016, after 15 years at EMI, where he held various positions including, most recently, EVP GM for Caroline, a division of the Capitol Music Group/EMI.
UMG notes that Dave Cobb is “one of Music City’s most in-demand collaborators, regardless of genre”.
He has worked with and produced “countless” superstar artists and albums, including Chris Stapleton’s 6x-platinum Traveller, Jason Isbell’s Southeastern, and Brandi Carlile’s By The Way I Forgive You.
His recent works include albums for Mumford & Sons, Red Clay Strays, Zayn, Greta Van Fleet, Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire and music for Deliver Me From Nowhere, the forthcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic, adding to “his illustrious and diverse discography” featuring Barry Gibb, The Highwomen, Slash, Marcus King, Teddy Swims, Stevie Nicks, Whiskey Myers, Zach Bryan, Colter Wall and many more.
“I am humbled to have been asked by Sir Lucian to lead UMG Nashville at such an important and exciting time in country music.”
Mike Harris
Additionally, Cobb’s work in film music has seen him act as a creative consultant working on Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS, the Jessica Chastain’s Eyes Of Tammy Faye, Hunger Games prequel Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes, and the 2018 remake of A Star Is Born, producing Lady Gaga’s Grammy-winning song Always Remember Us This Way.
“I am incredibly excited to work with Mike Harris, I’m here to honor the past, and look to the future.”
Dave Cobb
Harris said: “I am humbled to have been asked by Sir Lucian to lead UMG Nashville at such an important and exciting time in country music.
“I also look forward to work closely with Dave Cobb, the amazing roster of artists and my friends at UMG Nashville.”
Cobb added: “I am incredibly excited to work with Mike Harris, I’m here to honor the past, and look to the future.”
Other C-suite changes at the major record companies in Nashville included Taylor Lindsey’s recent promotion to Chairman and CEO at Sony Music Nashville, effective January 2025.
Lindsey succeeded RandyGoodman, who, as announced in September, will retire at the end of 2024 after more than 35 years in the music industry.
Also, in April last year, John “Espo” Esposito exited Warner Music Nashville after 14 years as the company’s leader. He was succeeded by Ben Kline and Cris Lacy.
In September, Warner Music Group veteran Gregg Nadel, who most recently served as President of Elektra Entertainment, was appointed Co-Chair & Co-President of Warner Music Nashville. He will work alongside Cris Lacy, who has been co-head of WMN for the past two years and marks her 20th anniversary with the company next year. Nadel succeeded Ben Kline, who has decided to step down after a decade with the company
Also in September, Universal Music Group Nashville appointed Robert Kilduff as Chief Financial Officer.Music Business Worldwide
