March 10, 2008

By By Tom Ferguson, London

Universal Music Group International chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge has named David Joseph as the new chairman/CEO of Universal Music U.K.

London-based Joseph, previously co-president of Polydor Records and president of Universal Music Operations, has been with the company for 10 years. In his new role, he reports directly to Grainge.

Grainge had continued to hold the U.K. post following his promotion to the UMGI role in 2005. The new move sees all divisions of Universal Music U.K. now reporting directly to Joseph. Those include the frontline labels Island, Mercury, Polydor, Universal Classics & Jazz (UCJ) and UMTV. Joseph will continue with his responsibilities as co-President of Polydor.

In a statement, Grainge described Joseph as "a gifted music executive with exceptional creative instincts and a reputation for uncomplicated thinking and for honour."

Grainge added, "With David now advancing to U.K. Chairman, I will -- as mandated by Universal Music Group Chairman/CEO Doug Morris -- be able to concentrate more than ever on our international creative growth and A&R focus, and our overall business development."

Joseph, 39, joined Universal Music in 1998 as GM of Polydor U.K. He subsequently held posts as the label's managing director and co-president, taking on the role as Universal Music Operations president in 2006. Prior to joining Universal, Joseph was at RCA Records and games company Sega.

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