Large-Scale UMG Layoffs Underway
• The major restructuring of Universal Music Group announced a month ago — a new West Coast/East Coast model lead by Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman & CEO John Janick and Republic Records CEO Monte Lipman, respectively, has now culminated in a massive number of executive layoffs, “said to reach into the high hundreds,” according to Variety‘s coverage.
At press time, this situation remains extremely fluid, as we are receiving numerous reports of downsized label pros that all need to be confirmed.
Among those leaving are some very high profile names, including Interscope’s Brenda Romano and Chris Lopes, Nino Cuccinello, Don Coddington, Brian Gray and Erika Spieldoch; Variety theorizes that Romano and Lopes’ now former roles will be consolidated under the leadership of Capitol’s Greg Marella.
RAMP has also learned of these Def Jam promotion team departures: Noah Sheer, Laurie LaMartina, Mundo Garcia, Sonny D, Daisy Moreira and Ana Larios. Variety reports that Def Jam’s Natina Nimene will now oversee all Urban promotion for Def Jam, Republic, Island and Mercury Records. Also confirmed as out: Capitol VP of Promotion Chris Siciliano, UMe Head Of Promotion Jamie Hartley, and Republic Midwest Regional Christian Salhany.
On the publicity side, Variety says Interscope Head of Publicity Cara Donatto is also reportedly out, her duties to be absorbed by Capitol’s Ambrosia Healy. Def Jam’s longtime Head of Publicity Gabe Tesoriero is leaving the company as well; his role will reportedly be filled by Republic’s Joe Carozza.
Meanwhile, these cuts are ongoing and are said to continue through Friday. We will endeavor to publish contact information for as many people as we can — including many of the names above, as soon as we get their permission.
If you are among those adversely affected and would like your information published in RAMP, please email me at Kevin@RAMP247.com. Meanwhile, rumors are swirling that cuts at Sony Music will soon follow. Watch this space.
