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News October 27, 2015

UMA appoints joint Managing Directors

Former Editor

Universal Music’s Michael Taylor and Darren Aboud have been announced as Joint Managing Directors for Universal Music Labels Australia.

Announced by Universal Music Asia Pacific President George Ash, Taylor and Aboud started their new role out of the Sydney office today. The appointment will see them work together to oversee the major’s international and domestic labels like Modular, Island, Mercury, Polydor, IDJ,USM, Republic and Interscope among many others, and take responsibility for the strategic and promotions teams at UMA.

“Both Mike and Darren are true music people who have forged entrepreneurial and creative visions for our company,” said George Ash. “To have them now running Universal Music and sprinkling their magic dust across the business is fantastic, I couldn’t be more excited. Our aim is to drive entrepreneurial and innovative activities across all our labels and ensure our artists get the best possible partnerships with our teams into the digital future and with Mike and Darren they couldn’t be in better hands.”

Michael Taylor, who still holds his position as overseeing A&R for Universal Music Australia and as head of the company’s Island Records label, has had past roles at Columbia Records, Warner Music’s Maverick Recording Company, Sony Music and Epic Records before beginning his tenure with Universal in 2007.

Darren Aboud adds to his existing responsibilities as Head of Marketing for Universal Music Australia. During his 20-year tenure with Universal, Aboud has worked as VP of US Repertoire at Universal Music International in London, VP of International Marketing at Universal Asia Pacific in Hong Kong and General Manager of Marketing at Universal Music Australia.

Taylor and Aboud said: “We are both very excited to bring this re-launch of Universal Music Australia to the market. We would like to thank George for the opportunity and for believing in us.

“Creating a stand-alone label for Universal Music Australia, which will bring the International and Australian Marketing, Strategic Marketing, Promotions, Classics & Jazz and the A&R teams together will give us a more efficient, creative, nimble and entrepreneurial music company, that can harness the collective resources of our entire organization to better serve our artists, their music and their creative talents.”

The appointment does not affect the running of EMI Music. Although the company is run out of the UMA office, it remains a separate unit with John O’Donnell as Managing Director; he reports to George Ash.

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