The chief of Universal Music Publishing has announced details of his new executive team which has been put in place following their previously reported merger with BMG Music Publishing, which in turn followed the news last month that EC officials were approving Universal's acquisition of Bertelsmann's publishing company.
As previously reported, at the time of the merger it was confirmed Universal Music Publishing boss David Renzer would remain in the top job at the merged publishing firm. He announced a top team of six yesterday, equally split between former Universal and former BMG execs.
From Universal, former CFO/Exec VP Michael Sammis will become CFO and Exec VP Of Operations Worldwide for the merged company with a specific role to oversee the integration of the two companies around the world; Paul Connolly, formerly President Of Europe and MD of UK, will become President for Europe/UK; and Eddi Fernandez will remain Senior VP Of Latin America.
From BMG, former President Of International Andrew Jenkins, will become VP International for the new company, overseeing operations in Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Middle East; Gary Gross, formerly President of BMG Production Music will become President of Universal Production Music; and finally Dale Mathews will continue to head up Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, the Christian music unit that came from BMG.
Announcing his new board, Renzer told reporters: "Collectively, these executives will form part of the new team that will provide our songwriters, composers, artists and business partners with the very best in creative management, administrative support and business savvy".