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Universal’s digital chief stands down
By Chris Cooke | Published on Tuesday 24 February 2015
Universal Music’s President Of Global Digital Business, Rob Wells, one of the highest profile digital music execs on the record company side, and a man generally seen as a friend of digital innovations within the major label system, is leaving the company.
In a staff memo doing the rounds over night, and first published by Music Business Worldwide, Wells notes the many digital developments that have occurred since he started working with Universal chief Lucian Grainge fourteen years ago, before saying: “Together, we helped build Universal Music Group’s digital business from its infancy into a global leader. At every turn, we pushed the industry forward, making sure our business model adapted to the way that consumers wanted to listen to music while insuring that our artists shared in all the new revenue streams”.
He goes on: “While leaving isn’t easy, I take comfort in the extraordinary digital team that I am leaving behind – who have become more than just work colleagues but a true family – and the knowledge that whatever entrepreneurial opportunity I explore next, I will always have a close relationship with everyone at Universal Music Group, both here in the US and in every territory around the world”.
Confirming Wells’ departure, Grainge said in a subsequent message: “I will miss Rob’s professionalism, his sense of humour and his commitment to our artists and labels. Rob leaves big shoes to fill and we will be making announcements in the coming days. I know you’ll join me in wishing him only the best of success in all of his future endeavours”.
