Mark Sutherland U.K. record labels have got used to upheaval in recent years, but the industry was still taken aback by recent changes at Universal Music’s British company.
There were emotional scenes in the company’s King’s Cross HQ when, in a surprise move, David Joseph – Universal Music U.K.’s long-time and highly respected CEO/chairman – stepped down on September 23 after 26 years at the company, almost 17 of them in the top job.
He was replaced the following day by Dickon Stainer, previously President/CEO of Universal’s Global Classics & Jazz division and the Verve Label Group.
Stainer will continue as chairman of Global Classics & Jazz alongside his U.K. role. Joseph, meanwhile, appears to be leaving the music industry after a stellar career, and has already started a master’s degree in religion and theology at King’s College, London.
Read more on variety.com