Habtemariam Stepping Down At Motown
• Universal Music Group (UMG) and Ethiopia Habtemariam jointly announced that Habtemariam, the current Chairwoman & CEO of Motown Records, will be stepping down from her position in order to pursue new endeavors.
Habtemariam said, “It has been the greatest honor to work with some of the most incredible artists, songwriters and partners in the world. I have always had a clear vision for the talent that I’ve had the privilege to work with, which has led Motown to global success and returned the label to the forefront of contemporary culture. I would not have been able to make that vision come to life without the support of my amazing team at Motown, my UMG colleagues around the world, and Sir Lucian [Grainge]. I am incredibly proud of what we have created during my tenure, and I consider this the perfect finale to my 20 years at UMG spanning publishing and recorded music.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO of UMG said, “Under Ethiopia’s leadership, Motown has seen strong growth, continuing its legacy of bringing important new voices to modern culture. Not only has Ethiopia been instrumental in developing and breaking incredible artists, but also she has strategically identified and amplified key partnerships that have been, and will continue to be, cornerstones of the UMG creative ecosystem. While I will miss working with Ethiopia, I know she will achieve great things going forward and she leaves with our enduring love and respect.”
Habtemariam was elevated into her current position in March 2021. In 2014, Grainge appointed Habtemariam as President of Motown Records and EVP of Capitol Music Group as she oversaw the label’s relocation from New York to Los Angeles. Prior to joining Motown, Ms. Habtemariam was President of Urban Music & co-Head of Creative at Universal Music Publishing Group. A successor to Habtemariam will be announced at a later date. [Photo credit: Bonnie Nichoalds]
