Pascal Nègre, President of Universal Music France, Italy, Middle East and Africa, is to expand his duties to also serve as the company’s global Head of New Business.
He will continue to serve on UMG’s Executive Board and be based out of Paris. He reports to Lucian Grainge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UMG.
“Pascal’s creative contributions, astute business judgment and strategic planning perspective are valued management skills for UMG,” said Grainge. “This promotion reflects his many accomplishments, but also signals the tremendous growth opportunities that we see ahead for UMG as we expand globally.”
Nègre’s appointment follows completion of UMG’s landmark acquisition of EMI Recorded Music in 2012.
“I’m really happy to work closely with Lucian and the Board team in order to create today the foundation of the music company of tomorrow,” said Nègre.
Nègre will be responsible for a number of UMG’s strategic growth initiatives on a global basis, including strategic partnerships and brand relationships. He will also develop and implement a global strategy on CRM, working closely with Max Hole (UMG International Chairman & CEO), Boyd Muir (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Rob Wells (President of Global Digital Business).
Mr. Nègre began his longstanding and successful career in music as a driving force behind free radio stations in France (1981-85), then in press and promotions posts at BMG (1986-1987) and CBS Records (1988-1990).
He joined PolyGram in December 1990 as Chief Executive Officer of the French label, Barclay, and subsequently took over the leadership of Island Records (1992) and Phonogram (1994).
He was appointed as President of PolyGram Music in November 1994. At the same time, he became Deputy Managing Director of PolyGram Group France.
He’s also been instrumental in the international success of such superstars as U2, Lady Gaga, Mika, Melody Gardot, Cecilia Bartoli, Andrea Bocelli and Mariah Carey, among others.Music Business Worldwide
