Universal Music Canada Gets New Global Reporting Structure Under Frank Briegmann

Frank Briegmann has taken on an international role at Universal Music Group (UMG).

The German music executive has been promoted to a new role as chairman & CEO of Universal Music Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the German label Deutsche Gramophon, overseeing the different regions and fuelling their individual growth while also bringing them closer through collaboration. Briegmann previously added the role of chairman & CEO of Central Europe to his portfolio at Universal in 2023, after first joining Universal Music Germany as CEO in 2004.

In Canada, Julie Adam will now report to Briegmann while continuing her role as president & CEO of Universal Music Canada (UMC).

"Great artists can emerge anywhere, and today they can find an audience almost everywhere. That makes strong local expertise more important," Briegmann says. "Our responsibility is to understand and nurture what makes each market dynamic and distinctive, while giving artists the investment, local expertise, and global reach to realize their full potential. I'm grateful to Lucian for his trust and this new opportunity to take on this broader responsibility. Over the years, I have seen what becomes possible when great local teams work closely together across borders. I look forward to building on that experience with this exceptional group of leaders and creating even more opportunities for artists throughout these markets and around the world."

Briegmann's new role will encourage global careers and breakthroughs for domestic artists, as he will oversee individual operations in each country and region and work closely with existing leaders in the different markets.

Tying Canada closer to other territories within Universal Music Group follows a similar trend of consolidation at other music companies, including fellow major label Warner Music Canada. Eric Wong stepped into the role of president of Warner Music Canada last year following former president Kristen Burke's departure and now maintains multiple roles on both sides of the border, as he is also the president of East West Records US and EVP of recorded music at Warner Music Group, overseeing global marketing and A&R. He reports to Val Blavatnik, who recently joined the label's executive team as managing director of Warner Music North America, U.K. and corporate development.

Both labels also underwent organizational restructuring, including layoffs, though a spokesperson from Universal Music Canada stresses that the timing of Briegmann's appointment and the company's job cuts this week are unrelated.

Still, the changes at both labels reflect Canadian labels' increasing appetite to operate more globally and closely with other countries and markets.

In Canada, Adam will collaborate with Briegmann, while Briegmann will report to chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, Sir Lucian Grange.

"Frank and I have worked together for more than 20 years, and he's a fierce artist champion with a proven track record of building long-term careers," says Grainge. "He combines creative expertise with business acumen and the insights of data and technology. Just as importantly, he respects what makes every market different and knows how to give great local leaders the freedom and support to succeed. Frank's promotion is all about the power of possibility; making it easier for artists, ideas, and opportunities to travel across borders."