UMG Adds Corsini & Hovsepian
• Universal Music Group (UMG) has named JJ Corsini and Chris Hovsepian as Senior Vice Presidents, Artist Development, effective May 1. Both gentlemen join from Apple Music, where they served as key members of the company’s Global Artist Relations team since the launch of the streaming service.
Corsini (right) and Hovsepian (left) will work alongside UMG’s repertoire sources in more than 60 countries to develop and coordinate long-term development strategies for UMG artists at all stages of their careers. They will be based at UMG’s global headquarters in Santa Monica and report to Andrew Kronfeld, Executive Vice President of Marketing, who commented, “I have admired the success that JJ and Chris have had at developing innovative strategies for artists on Apple Music and I’m thrilled to have them join our global team. At UMG, we have consistently demonstrated that a global hit can be in any language and come from anywhere in the world. JJ and Chris will further our efforts and leverage the strength of our global organization behind the best roster of artists in the world.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG’s Chairman & CEO, said, in part, “I’m pleased to welcome JJ and Chris, who bring with them a strong track record for developing impactful narratives around artists that particularly resonate in streaming and social context.”
Corsini said, “Artist development is the most critical, yet overlooked and underserved process in the music industry. Investing time and resources into artist development requires commitment and an understanding that patience and a common goal are the most core elements of growth. Chris and I have been on the same page with Sir Lucian about that since day 1. We are both very excited for this incredible opportunity.”
Hovsepian added, “UMG shares our vision of embracing quality over quantity and our commitment to enhancing and executing the artist’s vision. Quick wins may be more frequent than ever, but the artists who take time to build a foundation are the ones who will have long careers. JJ and I look forward to working with Sir Lucian, Andrew Kronfeld, Dave Rocco, the extended team and of course, UMG’s amazing artists.” [Photo credit: Fouad Jreige]
