David Joseph, CEO of Universal Music UK, has announced he is standing down after seventeen years in the role and 26 years with the major. While any future plans within the music industry are not yet known, next week he starts studying for a master’s degree in religion and theology at King’s College London.
In a memo to staff, Joseph declares, “It has been an honour to work alongside you, creating something truly exceptional, a company that wasn’t only number one but also led with heart and creativity. We’ve done that together. This career, once impossible to imagine, has been a gift for which I'm deeply grateful”.
He then adds, “after seventeen years in this role, it’s time to step into something new. Next week, a new chapter begins with a master’s in religion and theology at King's College London’. But, “before stepping away”, he goes on, “there's one thing I need to say: ‘You’ve got this’”.
“This team is immensely talented”, he continues, “fuelled by ideas, passion and imagination. It’s a rare privilege to wake up every day and work at the greatest company in the music industry alongside remarkable artists and their managers who have chosen you - chosen us - to be part of their lives”.
He then thanks overall Universal Music chief Lucian Grainge, “without whom none of this would have been possible. First, he hired me, and then he let me be myself”.
“This place", Joseph continues, “the people, the building, the conversations, the inspiration and the music that somehow makes the rest of life blur into the background - these will all be missed immeasurably. Thank you - working here has been an absolute pleasure”.
Joseph’s departure comes as the major shake-up of the major label system continues, which has impacted all three majors over the last eighteen months, although Warner Music in particular last week. A big rejig of Universal Music UK was announced in July, and that rejig seems likely to be even more significant now that there will be new leadership at the top of the business.