Cindy Mabe appointed Chair and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville

Popular music group has appointed widely respected chief executive officer Cindy Mabe as President and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville (UMGN), effective April 1, 2023.

Mabe will succeed Mike Dungan, who declare your intentions retired from UMGN after more than a decade there and a total of four decades in the music industry.

UMG says that “Mabe has paved the way throughout her career” and became Nashville’s highest-ranking women’s label executive in 2014, when she was appointed President of UMGN.

UMG notes that Mabe’s promotion makes her the first woman to hold the position of President and CEO of a major label group based in Nashville.

During her tenure at UMG, Mabe worked with country stars including Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt, Alan Jackson, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Kacey Musgraves, Jon Pardi , Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Brothers Osborne and Little Big Town, among others.

Mabe joined UMGN in 2012 as Senior Vice President, Marketing, responsible for worldwide marketing leadership. Capital Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville, and Mercury Nashville and UMG’s expanded national label set following the acquisition of EMI.

Prior to that, Mabe spent 5 years at Capitol Records Nashville, where she held the position of SVP, Marketing.

She began her music career as a promotional coordinator at RCA Nashville, before moving into sales and then marketing and artist development, during which time she worked with artists including Clint Black, Martina McBride and Alabama.

She then served as Senior Director, Marketing and Artist Development at Arista Records Nashville from 1999-2007, working with the likes of Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn and Diamond Rio before when he joined Capitol Records Nashville in 2007.

“Now to be in the position, as Mike’s successor, to drive the musical and cultural impact of Universal Music Group Nashville in the future is truly a humbling honor.”

Cindy Mabe

When making the announcement, Mabe said: “For the past 15 years, Mike Dungan has been my mentor and partner. He built one of the most enduring and influential legacies in the history of country music.

“He is also my friend. I’m so grateful for the opportunity he’s given me and so proud of what we’ve built together over the past 15 years with the most enviable staff and lineup in the music industry.

“It is truly a humbling honor to now be in the position, as Mike’s successor, to drive the musical and cultural impact of Universal Music Group Nashville in the future. Country music has been the passion of my life. That was my childhood and my future. It’s the heartbeat that speaks the truth for all walks of life at its best and worst. It is truly a gift to honor, protect and build the next era of country music history with UMGN.

“I want to thank you Sir Lucian Grainge for his faith in me, his outstanding leadership, and building this incredible culture that puts artists and music first.”

“Cindy’s credibility in the artist community and her deep experience will help us bring countless successes to other artists in the future.”

Sir Lucian Grainge

Mr. Lucian Grainge, President and CEO of UMG said: “We are delighted that Cindy has taken on this role. She’s a transformational executive who has a stellar track record in designing and implementing innovation strategies to help build the careers of artists and bring their music to fans. all over the world.

“Cindy’s credibility in the artist community and her deep experience will help us bring countless successes to other artists in the future.”

Global Music Business