Musical Chairs: November 4
George Ash to lead Universal Music hub
Sydney-based George Ash plays a major role in Universal Music Group’s new international structure. It is now redefined into regionally focused hubs to utilise its resources and know-how better through its 66 operations through the world.
The idea is to sign more local acts, break new ones initially through the countries in each regional hub, and to work together to achieve global success for acts quicker.
UMG is particularly focused on boosting its presence in emerging markets such as Africa, India and China
Ash who heads the Australian and New Zealand operations, is also President of Universal Music Asia Pacific He will lead the Asia Pacific hub alongside Naoshi Fujikura, President & CEO of Universal Music Japan.
The European regional hub is lead by Frank Briegmann (head of Central Europe & Deutsche Grammophon), David Joseph (UK & Ireland) and Pascal Nègre (France, Italy, Middle East and Africa.
The Latin America hub is headed by Jesus Lopez (Latin America and Iberian Peninsula).
In other changes, Universal poached its new digital chief Michael Nash from Warner. This comes at a time when Universal is negotiating distribution deals with Spotify and YouTube. In February, the company’s long time digital chief Rob Wells left, and his division was virtually dismantled.
To help break its signings globally, Andrew Kronfeld, London-based President of Global Marketing for its international division, is promoted to EVP of Marketing and moved to its Santa Monica headquarters.
Entertainment vets tapped for Australia’s Got Talent
The 2016 season of Nine Network’s Australia’s Got Talent sees comedian and radio presenter Dave Hughes replacing Julia Morris as host. Judges are fashion designer and singer Kelly Osbourne (pictured) of The Osbournes fame, media identity Sophie Monk (herself unearthed on reality TV series Popstars), actor and singer Eddie Perfect and one time BMG Records marketing head turned Australian Idol judge turned radio presenter Ian “Dicko” Dickson.
Production starts in Melbourne this month. FremantleMedia Australia will produce in association with Executive Producer Julie Ward’s production company Zig Zag TV.
Ticketek parent appoints Andrew Reid
Ticketek parent, ticketing, live entertainment and data-driven analytic business TEG Ltd, announced Andrew Reid GM of Data and Analytics. He was Head of Digital and Data at Dentsu Aegis Network’s Amplifi.
Music Week changes editors
UK music biz trade Music Week’s new editor will be Mark Sutherland after Tom Pakinkis steps down end of the year to freelance. Sutherland was Global Editor of Billboard, Music News Editor with BBC 6 Music, Editor of Melody Maker and Features Editor of NME.
Booker change at The Wheatsheaf
Adelaide’s Wheatsheaf Hotel made a change in bookers. Leah Chapman is leaving but will stay on for the next few weeks working with replacement Ria (one name only) until she takes over full time in mid-November.
Dave O’Neil fills in for Stubbs
Dave O’Neil will fill in for Richard Stubbs’ previous afternoon slot on 774 ABC Melbourne for the rest of 2015. Meantime, the ABC will review the Afternoon Program and consider a new voice and approach in 2016. As revealed in yesterday’s On The Dial radio column, Stubbs signed off after eleven years last Friday. Plans are to write a book, do more stand up and corporate work.
New European correspondent for Pollstar
German-born London-based Gideon Gottfied is new European News Editor for US based global live sector trade Pollstar. He replaces John Gammon who died unexpectedly recently. Gottfied wrote for Billboard and was five years at German music publication Musikmarkt.
Todd Campbell moving to NZ radio
Todd Campbell, Content Director for hit92.9 Perth, leaves on December 4 after three years for New Zealand. He starts as Group CD of The Hits Network for NZME in January.
Drew Sheldrick to lead SBS’ expanded LGBTI coverage
Drew Sheldrick, former Editor of Star Observer, will lead multicultural broadcaster SBS’ expansion of its LGBTI coverage. SBS, which annually broadcasts the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, is launching a dedicated website, and through Twitter handle @SBSexuality, soliciting for content.
Chris Sioris leaves Nova for Paramount
Nova Entertainment publicist Chris Sioris takes over as Head of Publicity for Paramount Pictures Australia. She was Director of Publicity and Artist Relations for Universal Music and National Publicity Manager at 20th Century Fox.
Jaimes Leggett heads Communications Council
M&C Saatchi’s Jaimes Leggett acts as interim Chairman of the Communications Council after Sudeep Gohil left his role as CEO of Droga5 last month. Leggett has the role until the Council’s AGM in May.
Jane Dyball heads MPA Group
Jane Dyball, who for 20 years headed Business Affairs globally for Warner/Chappell Music outside North America, is now CEO of the MPA Group of Companies.
Image: UpcomingAustralia’s Got Talentjudge Kelly Osbourne
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