Universal Music Group (UMG) has promoted Francis Keeling to Global Head of Digital Business.
Effective immediately, the appointment was announced today by Rob Wells, President, Global Digital Business, UMG, to whom he reports.
Based in London, Keeling, 39, will assume responsibility for generating growth and new revenue for Universal Music’s digital businesses worldwide.
He will work closely with the company’s digital partners, including retailers, telecom operators, ISPs, device manufacturers and social networks to create and license new digital propositions.
Keeling has been Vice President, Digital, at Universal Music Group International (UMGI) for the past three years; he joined the company in 2002. Previously, he held content and business development roles with Vivendi, Launch.com, Pearson and the Financial Times.
Commenting on the appointment, Rob Wells said, “Francis is by far the best at what he does in the entire global music industry. He is expert at finding the commercial viability in any new business model or in an existing model that needs to be finessed. He troubleshoots like a true entrepreneur, is a joy to work with, and continues to impress and inspire people who work alongside him.”
Francis Keeling said, “The internet is a global economy, and it is vital for Universal Music to have a global approach to licensing our partners, to encourage investment, new models and their international expansion. I am extremely excited to be leading this process to grow the digital business for UMG and our incredible roster of artists.”Music Business Worldwide
