Rob Wells Named To Universal Music Group's Executive Board

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's leading music company, today announced that it has appointed Rob Wells, President of Global Digital Business, to serve on its Executive Board.  Wells, who is based at the company's Santa Monica, California headquarters, reports to Lucian Grainge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UMG.

Wells is responsible for strategic development and execution of UMG's digital business worldwide across its various divisions and around all of UMG's digital assets, including in the wireless, online and transactional sectors.  This includes identifying next-generation distribution channels and strategic partnerships, and working with UMG's business partners to further extend the company's digital strategy and reach across current and emerging platforms.

"Rob Wells has been instrumental to our success in finding innovative and effective platforms and digital partners to help our artists succeed," said Mr. Grainge.  "His promotion to the UMG Executive Board reflects not only the strength of his performance and his contributions to the company, but also the critical priority we place on – and significant opportunities we see for – our digital business.  We congratulate Rob on his many achievements to date and know that he and his team will continue to deliver results in the months and years to come."

Wells said, "The combination of UMG's incredible artist roster and inventive digital leadership is a powerful one that offers exciting possibilities for the future.  This Board appointment deepens the strategic intersection of these potent assets and demonstrates the recognition and support that my team and I receive from Lucian and everyone at UMG.  We are very excited to continue to drive UMG's industry-leading digital position in more and more creative ways than ever before."

Wells has served as UMG's President of Global Digital Business since October 2010.  Prior to that, he was Senior VP of Universal Music Group's international division, where he was responsible for directing and executing all aspects of the company's international digital business.  He began his tenure with UMG in 2000, when he joined Universal Music UK as Division Director of Digital Services.

Prior to UMG, Wells worked in a series of positions at BMG Entertainment, literally beginning his career in an entry-level mailroom job and culminating with his service as Head of Internet and New Media.

SOURCE Universal Music Group