Universal Music UK has appointed Simon Johnson as Managing Director of Strategy, Growth and eCommerce.
Reporting to Chairman & CEO David Joseph, Johnson joins Universal Music UK on June 28.
Joining Universal Music UK’s leadership team, Johnson is tasked with driving the company’s overall eCommerce strategy.
He will work closely with Richelle Parham, Universal Music Group’s (UMG) recently appointed President, Global e-Commerce & Business Development to implement global strategic initiatives to create new commercial opportunities for UMG artists and labels.
Johnson joins Universal Music UK from Amazon after six years in a variety of leadership roles in Europe.
Most recently, he oversaw the books/Kindle business across the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain alongside Amazon subsidiary Book Depository.
He previously led Amazon’s third party Marketplace in the UK and was General Manager of its UK physical media retail business, a portfolio spanning music, books, movies and video games.
Prior to joining Amazon in 2015, Johnson spent eight years at book publisher HarperCollins where, as Group Managing Director, UK & International his responsibilities spanned strategy, digital, commercial, analytics, operations, finance and publishing.
A mathematician by training, with an MBA from London Business School, Johnson’s early career included varied roles spanning derivatives trading to TV and theatre production.
“Simon brings his strategic vision alongside incredible experience in management, retail, data and analytics to this new role.”
David Joseph, Universal Music UK
Universal Music UK chairman and CEO David Joseph said: “Simon brings his strategic vision alongside incredible experience in management, retail, data and analytics to this new role, but above all he is a creative and innovative thinker who shares our belief in the huge potential for eCommerce and finding authentic new ways for our artists to build their markets and audiences.”
“I can’t wait to get started in playing a role to help fans like me find and express joy and purpose through these wonderful artists and the power of music.”
Simon Johnson
Johnson added: “Ever since I fell head over heels in love with music as a young child who stumbled on the magic of Revolver in my parents’ record collection, it’s been my dream to work on helping artists be more successful and bringing them closer to their fans.
“Universal Music Group is home to without doubt the greatest set of artists and catalog in the world.
“I can’t wait to get started in playing a role to help fans like me find and express joy and purpose through these wonderful artists and the power of music.”Music Business Worldwide
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