Universal Music‘s Virgin Music Label & Artists Services is expanding its operations across the West Balkans region, as a new independently operated division.
In line with this expansion, Nikola Jovanovic has been hired as Vice President of Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, Western Balkans and Head of Society Relations, Universal Music Western Balkans, effective January 1, 2022.
Nikola Jovanovic currently serves as the Vice President of Runda, which is the Regional Association of Independent Discographers in the Balkans.
He’s also the founder of Kontra Rights, an artist and label service and management agency specialized in protecting publishing and neighboring rights, artist management and music PR.
He also serves as the Executive Director of the Milan Mladenović Estate.
Located in Belgrade, Universal says that Virgin Music Label & Artists Services, Western Balkans will support talent from across the entire region.
The expansion across the region follows Virgin Music’s launch in July 2021 in Serbia and its strategic partnership with the Balkaton label.
UMG also launched Virgin Music Label & Artist Services in Brazil in July.
Universal Music Group launched Virgin Music Label & Artist Services in February 2021 as a new global division serving independent artists and labels that UMG says is “inspired and influenced by the spirit and ethos of the iconic Virgin Records label”.
The move saw US-based Caroline – formerly the independent services division of UMG-owned Capitol Music Group – as well as Caroline operations in the UK, France and Germany, renamed as Virgin Music Label & Artist Services.
“I am delighted to welcome Nikola to our team and know that he will lead this new regional division to massive success.”
Fabian Stilke, Universal Music
In making the announcement, Fabian Stilke, Universal Music’s General Manager, Western Balkans, said: “Nikola is part of a new era of Balkan music executives, that has been pushing change within the music industry across the region, he brings a deep understanding and respect for the regional creative scene and artists.
“His experience, dedication and ethics, fit right in with the spirit and ethos of Virgin Records.
“I am delighted to welcome Nikola to our team and know that he will lead this new regional division to massive success.”
“It’s an honor to join Universal Music and to become part of Virgin Music and its rich culture and legacy.”
Nikola Jovanovic
Nikola Jovanovic added: “It’s an honor to join Universal Music and to become part of Virgin Music and its rich culture and legacy.
“I have been working with artists and indie labels from this region for many years, constantly pushing to bring the necessary change to the regional music industry, to enable young talents and entrepreneurs to make a living out of their creativity and art.
“I am very grateful for the trust the company is placing in me, giving me the opportunity to continue this path as Vice President of Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, Western Balkans.
“Being able to provide the next generation of independent artists and labels from this region with UMG’s industry-leading regional and international networks, technology and expertise to help them reach new audiences and empower them for long-term success in the region and abroad is thrilling.”Music Business Worldwide