Cindy Mabe Named Chair/CEO, UMG Nashville
• Universal Music Group (UMG) makes it official and announces that Cindy Mabe has been appointed as Chair & CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville (UMGN), effective April 1, 2023. Mabe will succeed Mike Dungan, who yesterday announced his intention to retire from his position at UMGN after more than a decade there and a total of four decades in the music industry.
One of Music Row’s most respected music executives and distinguished marketers, Mabe has blazed a trail throughout her career. In 2014, she became Nashville’s highest-ranking woman label executive when she was appointed as UMGN President. Her promotion to Chair & CEO further extends this distinction, as she makes history again by becoming the first woman to serve as Chair and CEO of a Nashville-based major label group.
Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG’s Chairman & CEO said, “We’re thrilled to have Cindy step into this role. She is a transformational executive, who has a distinguished track record of designing and implementing innovative strategies to help build artists’ careers and bring their music to fans around the world. Cindy’s credibility in the artist community and her deep experience will help us deliver countless additional artists’ successes going forward.”
Mabe joined UMGN in 2012 as SVP, Marketing for Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville and UMG’s expanded suite of Country labels following its acquisition of EMI. Prior to that, Mabe spent five years at Capitol Records Nashville as SVP of Marketing.
Mabe said, “For the past 15 years, Mike Dungan has been my mentor and partner. He has built one of the most enduring and impactful legacies in country music history. He’s also been my friend. I’m grateful for the chance he took on me and so very proud of what we have built together over those 15 years with our staff and the most enviable roster in music.” She added, “To now be in a position, as Mike’s successor, to advance the musical and cultural impact of Universal Music Group Nashville into the future is truly a humbling honor. Country music has been my life’s passion. It’s my childhood and my future. It’s the heartbeat that speaks truth to all walks of life in the best and worst of times. It’s truly a gift to get to honor, protect and build the next era of country music history with UMGN. I want to thank Sir Lucian Grainge for his belief in me, his brilliant leadership and for building this incredible culture that puts artists and music first.” [Photo: Kevin Wimpy / UMG]
