The most well-known music executive in Paris, Pascal Nègre – the man who has led Universal Music France since 1998 – is leaving the major.
Olivier Nusse, Managing Director of Mercury Music Group and Universal Classic & Jazz in the region, has been appointed CEO of Universal Music France, succeeding Nègre.
The change appears immediate.
Nusse, who has worked at Universal in France for more than 20 years, leads the iconic Mercury brand, which holds a market leading position in the territory.
Lucian Grainge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group, said: “On behalf of everyone at UMG, I would like to thank Pascal for his many significant achievements and commitment to our company over many years of profound transformation in the music industry. We wish him the very best for the future.”
“I would like to thank pascal for his many significant achievements. We wish him the very best for the future.”
Lucian Grainge, UMG
He added: “We are very pleased to have an executive of Mr. Nusse’s talents and stature take the lead for Universal Music France. Having worked with Olivier over many years, I am impressed by his capabilities and track record. He has demonstrated strong team leadership and an ability to drive results.”
The news comes after months of global restructuring at UMG.
International office heads now report directly into Grainge in Santa Monica, California for the first time – following the exit of Universal Music International (UMGI) boss Max Hole in October last year.
Around 50 London-based UMGI positions have been affected by the restructure, with the process starting late last year and still going on.
Some of these staff are staying on temporarily, some are relocating to the US and some are leaving the company.
Pascal Nègre’s rise through Universal Music Group’s ranks began in 1990 when he joined the Polygram group.
He was appointed as President of PolyGram in 1994.
In addition to his long tenure at UMG France, Nègre became vice president of Universal Music International for the Middle East and North Africa in 2000.
In 2005, he was President of the Mediterranean region for UMG (Italy, Spain, Portugal) and South America.Music Business Worldwide
