UMA announce Chris Nelson in new role to break local acts globally

With artists including Troye Sivan, Dean Lewis, Alison Wonderland and Lorde striking gold overseas recently, Universal Music Australia is focussing on breaking more of its Australian and New Zealand acts globally.

It has appointed Chris Nelson to take on the newly created role as senior director, international export market, Australia/New Zealand, from today (March 26). Nelson will also represent EMI-signed acts in the newly created role.

He will be based at Universal Music Group headquarters in Santa Monica, California, and reports directly to George Ash, Sydney-based president, Universal Music Asia Pacific.

Nelson was previously senior director, global priorities, working alongside international teams for UMG’s priority projects.

George Ash says, “I want to ensure our domestic artists are involved in the global conversation.

“We have enjoyed strong international successes and strategically, having Chris in the USA, where we naturally have close ties with our UMG label partners, business partners and several artist management teams makes sense.  

“It will make communication with the rest of the world easier as well as working efficiently with our Australian and New Zealand marketing and A+R teams to ensure we’re delivering innovative global plans.”

Nelson adds:  “After 10 years at UMG in London, I am excited to be joining UMA and to further develop the opportunities for the talented artists from Australia and New Zealand.  

“The opportunity to be an integral part of the innovative UMA/NZ teams and collaborate on international opportunities was an offer I couldn’t resist.

“Being based at UMG’s headquarters in Santa Monica means I will be able to tap into our key central UMG services on a daily basis.

“Having worked with many of these artists in my previous role, I am looking forward to the next adventure.”