UMG Names Chief Data Officer
• Universal Music Group (UMG) announced the appointment of Hannah Poferl as its Chief Data Officer, effective immediately. Poferl joins UMG after nearly 12 years at The New York Times, serving as The Times‘ first-ever Chief Data Officer since 2021, as well as Head of Audience & Assistant Managing Editor, among other positions.
Poferl will be based in Santa Monica and report to UMG Chief Operating Officer, Boyd Muir, who commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the UMG team. Her exceptional reputation and track record of strategically utilizing data, analytics and AI technology to grow, connect and engage audiences with creativity and culture, mirrors our own vision for transforming the ways artists and labels can connect with fans. Her unique insight and deep understanding of both the creative and commercial aspects of the creative sector, dovetail perfectly with our own ambitions to accelerate the role data and technology play in our driving our superfan initiatives, direct to consumer platforms and UMG’s business globally.”
Poferl remarked, “I’m excited to join UMG because of its clear focus on using data and technology in service of artists and artistry at a time when data and technology are playing an increasingly important role. The organization’s ambitious and thoughtful approach to innovation, including A.I., reflects a clarity of purpose and a respect for creativity that I value deeply. Storytelling has been central to my career, and music is one of the most powerful storytelling mediums that exists — making this an especially meaningful place to do this work.” [Photo by Jordan Strauss]
