Universal Music has promoted George Ash into a new rols as President of Universal Music Asia Pacific – 18 years after he first joined the major.
Previously Universal Music’s President of Australasia, Ash now adds responsibility for all of UMG’s operations in the Asia Pacific region excluding Japan. He continues to report into Max Hole, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group International.
Ash was appointed President of Universal Music Australasia in 2010 having previously worked as MD of Universal Music Australia since 2001. During this tenure the company has doubled its market share and won US Grammys with Wolfmother and Gotye.
Ash’s successful domestic artists in the past decade have including Powderfinger, Wolfmother, Hilltop Hoods, Havana Brown, Megan Washington, Sarah Blasko, Tame Impala, The Presets, Gin Wigmore, Missy Higgins, The McClymonts, Boy & Bear and Matt Corby.
Max Hole said: “In Australia and New Zealand George has built one of our most dynamic international operations with a very strong roster of artists and an immensely talented team of people. I’m very pleased that he will now be applying his energy and ideas to our business across the Asia Pacific region.”
George Ash said: “I have been lucky enough to work alongside the best in the industry in Australia and New Zealand. With Max now giving me this great opportunity and with our diverse and exceptional artists I’m very positive about Asia Pacific’s unprecedented growth potential and what we can achieve together.”
Originally from New Zealand, Ash was a performing musician when he was a teenager. He then held a variety of roles, including in retail and with PolyGram and BMG, where he focused on A&R.
In 1995 he set up Universal Music New Zealand, where his signings included the internationally successful Hayley Westenra, before relocating to Australia with Universal Music in 2001. He is the Chairman of the PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Ltd) and a member of the board of ARIA.Music Business Worldwide
