Executive Action: Cusick Joins UMG
• Universal Music Group (UMG) has appointed Richard Cusick as Chief Product Officer, Global E-Commerce. In this newly created role, Cusick will serve as a key liaison and partner between UMG’s executive management team and the engineering organization.
Cusick will be based at UMG’s Santa Monica HQ and report to Richelle Parham, President of Global E-Commerce and Business Development, who commented, “To help our artists maximize their creative and commercial potential, UMG continues to expand our mission well beyond the typical boundaries of a traditional music business, particularly in the products, services and experiences that we’re able to provide. With Richard joining us in the newly created role of Chief Product Officer, we will accelerate our efforts to bring fans even closer to their favorite artists and music through expanded products and ‘always on’ experiences.”
Cusick said, “Music has the unique ability to cross borders, cultures and languages to build highly engaged global fan communities. UMG is already a leader in creating exciting products and experiences for their artists to engage with their fans around the world and I look forward to working with Richelle and the senior management team to help build on that track record of excellence and deliver growth.”
Cusick’s experience in the music industry started at Gemstar-TV Guide (now Xperi), where he led business development and digital media. He subsequently managed the entertainment and lifestyle properties at Yahoo!, including Yahoo! Music. Cusick also led the acquisition of six companies that became Gracenote, later serving as Chief Product Officer. Until recently, he was an advisor to Audible Magic, a content-ID solution for social platforms such as SoundCloud, DailyMotion and Facebook.
