Rebecca Allen, President of Universal‘s London-based Decca Records Group UK, will be presented with an Honorary Doctorate from Buckinghamshire New University later this month.
The honour is being bestowed in recognition of Allen’s ‘outstanding contribution to the UK’s music industry, and her international reputation’.
Allen was promoted to General Manager of Decca Records in 2012, Managing Director in 2014 and then President of Decca Records Group UK in 2017, becoming the first woman to head up the label in its history.
She will receive her Honorary Doctorate at the Wycombe Swan Theatre in High Wycombe on Tuesday, September 4 as part of a week of graduation celebrations at Bucks New University.
Allen (pictured) said: “Throughout my career I have been lucky enough to work in an industry dealing with what I love most: music. I can think of no greater honour than to have my efforts recognised in this rewarding manner.”
“I can think of no greater honour than to have my efforts recognised in this rewarding manner.”
Rebecca Allen, Decca (pictured)
Tim Marshall, a member of Bucks New University’s Council, said: “We are delighted to award an Honorary Doctorate to Rebecca Allen.
“At a time of unprecedented change in the music business it’s inspiring to find an executive who has embraced that change and successfully used it to their advantage.
“This success has been achieved by innovatively promoting artists and effectively making their work available to the public in the rapidly changing landscape that is today’s music business.
“Rebecca is a true star like those who she promotes. She is a role model for others aspiring to work in creative arts management and demonstrates that with a little bit of luck, a lot of hard work and of course talent you can achieve your dreams.”
After studying at the Trinity College of Music in London, Allen started her career at the BBC where she worked with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and then the BBC Proms.
She joined Universal Classics & Jazz in 1999 as Press Assistant, later rising to the role of Director of Media, and remained with the label after it was renamed Decca Records in 2009.
She continues to work closely with many high-profile artists including Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, The Lumineers, Ludovico Einaudi and Alfie Boe.
Since taking over as President of Decca Records UK, Allen has also signed major artists including legendary film composer Ennio Morricone and Norwegian singer/songwriter Aurora.
Elsewhere, Decca has put UK country music in the spotlight with the success of The Shires, helped bring jazz to a wider audience with Gregory Porter and Melody Gardot, and championed young classical stars such as Nicola Benedetti, Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Milos.
Allen sits on the board at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
She won Music Week’s Businesswoman of The Year Award at its Women In Music ceremony last year, after receiving the Billboard Women in Music Award in 2016.Music Business Worldwide
