Adam Granite is EVP, Market Development at Universal Music Group.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the music business, Adam has overseen international expansion at two of the major label groups: Sony and Universal.
Adam Granite: International growth
Adam Granite joined Universal Music Group in September 2017 in the newly-created role of EVP, Market Development, covering M&A, licensing and emerging markets (including China, India and Africa) – as well as supporting the company’s global marketing activities.
At the time, he said: “With the global nature of today’s music industry, artists have access to audiences around the world and the ability to broadly influence culture on a scale never before seen. It’s a tremendously exciting time and I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to UMG and working with their renowned team of artists and executives.”
In 2018, he became responsible for China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as overseeing other key emerging markets including India, Sub-Saharan and North Africa, Turkey and the Middle East.
Granite works out of Universal’s London office, reporting directly to UMG CEO & Chairman Sir Lucian Grainge.
Adam Granite: Sony tenure
Prior to joining UMG, Adam Granite spent 21 years at Sony Music, including serving as President, Northern & Eastern Europe and Africa since 2011. He was appointed to the international position as part of Sony’s efforts to expand overseas, with key achievements including a licensing deal with ‘Russian Facebook’ VK in 2015, bringing to close a copyright infringement lawsuit, and helmed expansion into Africa in 2016.
Granite was also a key member of Sony Music’s International Executive Management team, where he led digital strategy, A&R, marketing, brands, market segmentation & consumer insights, and international sales & distribution deals. He was instrumental in signing DJ Martin Garrix to a major agreement with Sony Music International in July 2016.
Prior to 2011, Granite was Executive Vice President, Sony Music International. He joined Sony in 1996 and spent time within the company’s Finance & Operations division, before becoming General Manager of Epic Records in 2007.
Music Business Worldwide