UMG Reorganizes Nashville Operations

• Late Thursday, Universal Music Group announced “a reorganization of its Nashville-based operations to enhance its position as the premiere home for Country artists.” To that end, Mike Harris, who earlier served as COO/EVP of UMG Nashville, has been appointed CEO, and Dave Cobb, a nine-time Grammy Award winning producer, has been appointed Chief Creative Officer. These moves follow the earlier news that UMGN Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe was leaving the company.

In making the announcement, Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO of UMG said, We see an incredible opportunity to expand our presence in Nashville and build upon our industry leading track record. The worldwide success of our Country artists demonstrate that the genre truly has no boundaries and I’m excited for what lies ahead creatively and commercially.” Grainge added, “I want to thank Cindy Mabe for all her contributions to our Nashville company. She leaves UMG with our gratitude and respect.”

Harris joined UMG Nashville as EVP, COO in 2016, after 15 years at EMI, where he held various positions including, most recently, EVP/GM for Caroline, a division of the Capitol Music Group/EMI. “I’m humbled to have been asked by Sir Lucian to lead UMG Nashville at such an important and exciting time in Country music,” Harris said. “I also look forward to working closely with Dave Cobb, the amazing roster of artists and my friends at UMG Nashville.”

Dave Cobb has worked with and produced countless acclaimed artists and albums, including Chris Stapleton‘s 6x-platinum Traveller, Jason Isbell‘s Southeastern, and Brandi Carlile‘s By The Way I Forgive You. His recent works include albums for Mumford & Sons, Red Clay Strays, Zayn, Greta Van Fleet, Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, and music for Deliver Me From Nowhere, the forthcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic. Cobb said, “I’m incredibly excited to work with Mike Harris. I’m here to honor the past, and look to the future.”