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FYI

UMC Changes Include Naming JP Boucher To VP, Marketing

Universal Music Canada has announced two new hires and kicks JP Boucher up the ladder for being a good bloke, and for doing an excellent job.

 UMC Changes Include Naming JP Boucher To VP, Marketing

By FYI Staff

Universal Music Canada has announced two new hires and the promotions of JP Boucher to Vice President, Marketing, effective immediately. He will continue reporting to executive VP and GM Kristen Burke.


Boucher will oversee the company’s marketing, promotions and communications team.

Joining UMC in 2007, Boucher’s career within the company has steadily grown with roles including marketing manager, senior marketing manager/A&R development, and most recently, director, marketing & international.

In announcing Boucher’s appointment, Burke said, “JP has been an invaluable asset his entire UMC career to date.  His wealth of industry knowledge, natural leadership, and ability to deliver strategic and innovative campaigns that consistently push boundaries, will continue to ensure success.”

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Reporting to him are two new hires - Ashley Ballantyne, who will lead the communications team as Senior Director, and Brian Smiley, who joins the company as Director, Marketing.  In their previous roles, Ballantyne held the position of VP, marketing, communications & audience experience at Luminato Festival, and Smiley as Director, culture marketing at Red Bull.

The full team is now reporting to JP as follows:

  • Madelaine Napoleone, Director, Marketing
  • Brian Smiley, Director, Marketing
  • James Trauzzi, Sr. Manager, International Marketing
  • Brian Chick, Senior Director, National Promotion
  • Ivar Hamilton, VP, Catalogue Marketing
  • Ashley Ballantyne, Sr/ Director, Communications
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Chappell Roan at the 68th GRAMMY Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Gilbert Flores/Billboard

Chappell Roan at the 68th GRAMMY Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

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