Michele Anthony is one of music’s most respected and influential executives with a career spanning over three decades. As Executive Vice President of Universal Music Group (UMG), she oversees the world’s largest music company’s U.S. commercial services and business development across all divisions.
MICHELE ANTHONY: EARLY CAREER AND SONY MUSIC
Michele Anthony’s music industry journey began after earning her law degree from the University of Southern California. She started her career as an entertainment attorney, working at her father’s firm, Anthony & Blasi, where she represented artists including the Grateful Dead, Ozzy Osbourne, and Frank Zappa.
In 1990, Anthony joined Sony Music Entertainment, where she would become one of the most powerful women in the record business. She rose to the position of Executive Vice President of Sony Music Entertainment, serving as second-in-command to Tommy Mottola for nearly 15 years.
During her Sony tenure, Anthony played a critical role in the careers of major artists including Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, and Gloria Estefan. Her responsibilities spanned business affairs, legal, new technology, and government affairs.
Anthony was known for her deep relationships with artists and managers, her keen business acumen, and her ability to navigate complex deals while advocating for creators. She departed Sony Music in 2004 following a corporate restructuring.
MICHELE ANTHONY: 7H ENTERTAINMENT AND CONSULTING
Following her departure from Sony, Anthony founded 7H Entertainment, a consulting and management firm where she worked with artists including Pearl Jam, Black Sabbath, Prince, and Björk.
During this period, she also served on the board of several companies, including Vivendi Games and as a consultant to TPG Capital on entertainment investments. Her consulting work demonstrated her versatility and understanding of both the creative and business sides of the entertainment industry.
MICHELE ANTHONY: UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP
In 2013, Anthony joined Universal Music Group as Executive Vice President, reporting directly to UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge. Her appointment came as part of Grainge’s strategy to strengthen UMG’s executive team following the acquisition of EMI’s recorded music assets.
At UMG, Anthony oversees the company’s U.S. commercial services division, including sales, live events, sponsorships, brand partnerships, and strategic initiatives. She works across all UMG’s labels and businesses, including Capitol Music Group, Interscope Geffen A&M, Republic Records, Island Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Nashville operations.
Anthony has been instrumental in UMG’s expansion into new business areas, including brand partnerships, content production, theatrical music, and direct-to-consumer initiatives. She has helped guide the company through the industry’s transformation from physical sales to streaming and new revenue models.
Under her leadership, UMG has strengthened its artist services, offering comprehensive resources to support artists’ careers beyond traditional record label functions. This approach has helped UMG maintain its position as the world’s leading music company in the streaming era.
MICHELE ANTHONY: PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY AND INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Throughout her career, Anthony has been known for her artist-centric approach, deep understanding of the music business ecosystem, and ability to evolve with industry changes while maintaining core principles of artist advocacy.
Anthony serves on the boards of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the Global Citizen Festival. She has been a vocal advocate for creators’ rights, fair compensation in the digital era, and diversity within the music business.
In 2016, Anthony received the Lifetime Music Industry Achievement Award from the T.J. Martell Foundation. She has consistently been recognized on Billboard‘s Women in Music and Power 100 lists, acknowledging her as one of the most influential executives in the global music business.
Her career exemplifies how legal expertise, business acumen, and genuine passion for music and artists can create an executive who thrives across multiple eras of the ever-evolving music industry.
Music Business Worldwide