Universal Music's LUCIAN GRAINGE Takes New Role as CEO

MUSIC NEWS- Lucian Grainge, 49, is in NYC to take up his new role as CEO of Universal Music Group as of last week, July 1.  For now, it's a Co-CEO gig in tandem with the legendary Doug Morris (71) before taking sole control on January 1, 2011.  At that point, Morris will remain on as chairman. Grainge had been chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group International since 2005.  Of the step up,  Grainge said recently: “Stepping into Doug’s shoes is an honour and a privilege. This is a great industry which I believe has as much to look forward to as to be proud of. If we keep getting the basics right of exceptional music and artistry, backed by a great team and sound business sense, then we’ll continue to achieve success.”

Grainge takes over at a challenging time for the music biz, with recorded music sales & ticket sales down while digital increases aren't covering the overall losses (Uni's music sales were down 5.2% with digital up 21% recently).  Profits accross the industry have plunged as piracy has grown tremendously in the digital era.  Mr Grainge has said that there is no “magic bullet” to save the industry but feels that merchandising, with

their Tom Bennett led Bravado division (the music industry's only global, 360° full service music merchandise company) is a bright spot. Grainge has also led the drive to increase digital sales, building partnerships between Universal and mobile phone operators, television broadcasters and subscription services, Spotify for one.  He's also pushed forward Uni's Artist Services division, an event management and artist management operation.

One of his first decisions here in the states is likely to be whether to support Spotify’s move to America and Bravado's North American expansion beyond music licenses and into the filmed entertainment, sports and other merchandising areas.