Enzo Valdez has been appointed as MD, Universal Music Philippines, effective immediately.
Valdez joins Universal Music Group from the Sindikato Group he founded in 2010, where he held the position of President & CEO.
In recent years, Sindikato Group has become one of the Philippines’ most successful music companies (via Sindikato Management), handling artist management for local artists including Ben&Ben, Fern. and Callalily.
The group also housed Sindikato Studios, a video production company working across original, music and advertising content creation, alongside a successful events business.
In addition, Valdez worked as an A&R and management consultant for Sony Music Philippines from 2018.
Valdez succeeds Ricky Ilacad as head of Universal Music Philippines. MBW understands that Ilacad left his his position of CEO, Universal Music Philippines at the end of last month to focus on new personal projects. He had run the business in the Philippines for more than 15 years.
“Enzo is a creative force, musical innovator, seasoned executive and enthusiastic entrepreneur, and the perfect person to lead Universal Music Philippines into the future.”
Calvin Wong, Universal Music Group
Valdez will now oversee UMG’s operations throughout the Philippines. He will be based in Manila and report to Calvin Wong, Chief Executive Officer, Universal Music Southeast Asia & Senior Vice President, Asia.
Wong said, “We are delighted to welcome Enzo to our senior management team for the region. Enzo is a creative force, musical innovator, seasoned executive and enthusiastic entrepreneur, and the perfect person to lead Universal Music Philippines into the future. While UMG continues to be a powerhouse in international repertoire in the country, Enzo’s appointment will allow us to grow aggressively domestic music, artist management and touring business together with the teams in the Philippines. Under his leadership, I am confident UMG and our MCA Music Philippines label will continue to lead the market, reinforcing our position as the most exciting home for artists and talent in the Philippines.”
Valdez said, “I am excited to join the team here in the Philippines. My life and career so far, has always been built around music and helping artists, so I am delighted to being able to continue doing this on a larger scale. I’m eager to learn from Calvin and the global UMG family, and I look forward to injecting my passion and creativity into the company and having many successes in the future.”
Universal Music Philippines is currently home to Filipino talent including; Juan Karlos, Darren Espanto & Autotellic.
UMG recently announced the arrival of Def Jam Philippines, a new regional label dedicated to local hip-hop talent, with its first signing the hotly tipped VVS Collective.Music Business Worldwide
