PR Pro James Steven Moves From WMG To UMG
• Universal Music Group (UMG) announced the appointment of James Steven as Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer, effective Jan. 26.
Steven joins UMG from Warner Music Group, where he has served as Chief Communications Officer for the past 10 years. Steven joined WMG in London in 2007 and relocated to New York in 2012, rising to Senior Vice President, Communications & Marketing, before assuming his most recent role in 2015. Steven is currently a board member of the Recording Industry Association of America.
In his new UMG role, Steven will be responsible for leading the company’s internal and external communications, and oversee the communications functions of UMG’s operating companies worldwide. He will be based in New York and report to UMG’s Chief Administrative Officer, Will Tanous, who commented, “I know first-hand the extraordinary skill and dedication James brings to strategic communications and storytelling. His love of music and his broad experience across media and technology makes him an ideal fit for UMG as we enter the next phase of growth, driven by strategic initiatives that will unlock new opportunities for artists, songwriters, and fans alike.”
UMG Chairman & CEO Sir Lucian Grainge said, “We welcome James to UMG and look forward to his contributions. Given Will’s broadened role, it was important that we brought in a communications executive with experience and perspective — one who was able to step right in to help us continue to shape the future of music.” [Photo Credit: Gabriella Spiegel]
