Universal Music Group has promoter Mark Wilkinson to the new role of Vice President International Strategy & Artist Development, Global Classics.
Wilkinson (pictured) will continue to serve as President of Deutsche Grammophon, reporting jointly to UMG Global Classics boss Dickon Stainer and to Frank Briegmann, Universal Music’s President of Central Europe, until a successor is appointed in due course.
The new role follows the appointment of Dickon Stainer as Universal’s President of Global Classics in November 2014. Based out of the division’s headquarters in London and reporting to Stainer, Wilkinson will ‘spearhead the commercial development of new partners to extend the global reach and success of classical artists and classical music’.
He will work on projects with UMG’s roster of classical superstars and new artists as well as driving opportunities to expose people around the world to the catalogues of Universal Music’s Deutsche Grammophon and Decca labels.
Wilkinson has been President of Deutsche Grammophon since 2012.
Dickon Stainer said: “I’m delighted that Mark is taking up this new role which sits right at the very heart of our new global strategy for classical music. Mark is one of the most experienced classical executives in the world with a record of developing and nurturing artists of the highest calibre and in this new role he will be a huge asset in strengthening our global footprint for classical music.
“Together with Frank Briegmann we will find the best possible next leader for Deutsche Grammophon, someone who knows and understands the unique culture of this most legendary of labels.”
Frank Briegmann said: “I want to thank Mark for the great work he has done for Deutsche Grammophon over the past few years. He has strengthened our core repertoire, brought new crossover ideas and successfully integrated the teams at Deutsche Grammophon and Universal Music Classics Germany.
“Together we have made a number of strategic changes which the label will benefit from going forward such as innovative digital distribution channels and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him in the future. I want to congratulate Mark on his new appointment and wish him the best of luck and success and I have no doubt that he will continue to play an important role for Deutsche Grammophon and its fantastic artists.”
Mark Wilkinson said: “I’d like to thank Dickon for asking me to join his global team in this new role. It’s a genuine honour to have been part of Frank’s team at Deutsche Grammophon and I look forward to continuing to work with Universal Music’s distinguished roster of artists and committed executives around the world.”
Wilkinson has been a key figure in the success of Universal Music’s classical labels for over 20 years, including a decade in the leadership of the UK division alongside Dickon Stainer. He has worked with classical artists including Anna Netrebko, André Rieu, Andrea Bocelli, Miloš Karadaglić, Hélène Grimaud, Bryn Terfel, Gustavo Dudamel, Rolando Villazón and Ludovico Einaudi.
Since being appointed President of Deutsche Grammophon in 2012 Wilkinson has overseen the label’s continued expansion into the digital space with the release of innovative award-winning classical music apps, expanded its leadership position in the German classical music market, and overseen the signing to global deals of major artists including composer Max Richter, tenor Piotr Beczala, legendary pianist Grigory Sokolov, leading electronica artist Schiller and Grammy-nominated pianist Daniil Trifonov.Music Business Worldwide
