UMG Names Parham Pres., Global E-Commerce

• Universal Music Group (UMG) announced the appointment of Richelle Parham as President of Global E-Commerce and Business Development, effective June 2. In this newly created role, Parham will oversee UMG’s global e-commerce strategy and business development across the company’s iconic labels, music publishing company, operating units and territories.

Parham (pictured) will be based in Santa Monica and report to UMG Chairman & CEO Sir Lucian Grainge, who commented, “We are very pleased to have Richelle join our stellar leadership team, where she will play a key role in advancing our global strategy. Richelle’s proven leadership and expertise in consumer marketing, audience growth, business development and direct-to-consumer initiatives will be a valuable resource for our artists and drive our vision of a holistic fan-centric program that complements our partner platforms.”

Parham joins UMG from WestRiver Group, where she served as Managing Director. Before WestRiver, she served as General Partner of private equity firm Camden Partners. Earlier in her career Parham served as Chief Marketing Officer of eBay and Head of Global Marketing Services at Visa, Inc.

“It’s an honor to join UMG,” said Parham. “As one of the world’s most innovative and strategic companies in any industry, UMG possesses an incredibly talented leadership team, a global footprint, iconic labels and publishing company, as well as other music businesses. Together these elements form an unparalleled opportunity for a consumer-demand-driven e-commerce business that goes far beyond traditional distribution channels to create important revenue streams, while forging meaningful and impactful bonds between artists and fans.”