Universal Music Group (UMG) has appointed Robbert Baruch to the newly created position of Senior Vice President Public Affairs, Europe, effective May 1.
Based in UMG’s Hilversum, Netherlands HQ, Baruch will have responsibility for public policy and government relations across Europe, including the European Union.
The announcement of the new hire follow’s Monday’s news that shareholders of UMG parent Vivendi have approved to spin out 60% of Universal’s equity, and to start trading on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange by the end of 2021.
Baruch will report to Eric Berman, UMG’s Executive Vice President, Public Affairs.
Baruch joins UMG after nine years at Buma/Stemra, the Dutch collective management society for composers and music publishers, where he served most recently as Manager, Public Affairs.
Previously, he served in a senior government relations role at the Dutch Association of Insurers and as communications manager at ING Group.
A native of The Hague, Baruch previously served as Deputy Mayor of the Rotterdam Borough of Feijenoord and as a Member of the Regional Assembly of the Province of South Holland, among other political experience.
“We are very pleased to welcome Robbert to UMG in this important senior position.”
Eric Berman, UMG
Eric Berman said: “We are very pleased to welcome Robbert to UMG in this important senior position.
“With his deep experience in the European political arena, his creativity and his broad network – built over a lifetime of engagement in European affairs – Robbert will play a significant role in our growing operations in the Netherlands.”Music Business Worldwide