Popular music Australia (UMA) has announced the promotion and appointment of Sean Warner as President, Universal Music Australia & New Zealand effective 1 January 2023.
Warner succeeds George Ash, who previously announced his intention to retire at UMA.
Joining UMA in 2007 as Country Sales Manager, Warner was most recently Senior Vice President of Commerce, responsible for UMA’s commercial growth, innovation and digital development. & New Zealand.
As a result, Warner has led UMA’s commercial business for the past 15 years, in addition to overseeing commercial strategy in Southeast Asia (SEA), launching braveUMA’s licensing and merchandise operations in the Australia & New Zealand (ANZ) region, and growing UMA’s eCommerce business.
Warner said: “It is an honor and privilege to assume the role of President of Universal Music Australia & New Zealand. As the leading music company in the region, we will continue to innovate and grow our business and support our artists and record labels as they bring music and culture to life. Best for fans.
“I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to build our successes together and thank Sir Lucian for his faith in me, and George for his friendship, his faith and guidance throughout my time at UMA.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, President and CEO of UMG said, “Sean’s deep understanding of the Australian market combined with his operating experience and the respect he has earned from colleagues and His UMG artistry – both nationally and internationally – makes him the ideal CEO to take on the role of UMG CEO. Chairperson. I believe he will expand our track record of creative and commercial success in a very culturally important market.”
Sean Warner is the second-largest record company boss appointed in Australia this year, after Music Sonycurrently hiring Vanessa Picken this summer as President and CEO of the company in Oz and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Dan Rosen start in your role as the Chairman of Warner music Australiasia in February 2021.
Earlier this year, Sean Warner launched Commerce+, a UMA-focused division built to add value to each business area, providing support and strategy across Social, Streaming, Content Content, Data and Audiences, E-Commerce, Commercial Partnerships, Catalogs and Sales, and dedicated to creating opportunities for artists and brands within ANZ and globally.
Prior to joining UMA, Warner held senior roles in Music, Media and Entertainment organizations including BMG Interactive, sony PlayStation, DMX Music and Foxtel after majoring in Accounting and Law. In addition, he is the Chairman of the AMTD Fundraising committee for the music charity SupportAct and has been instrumental in attracting several famous artists to UMA.Global Music Business
