Universal promotes Max Hole to chief of global operations

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2013/jan/07/universal-promote-max-hole-emi

Version 0 of 1.

Universal Music has promoted Max Hole to the position of chairman and chief executive of its global operations outside the US.

Hole, previously chief operating officer of Universal's international arm, will be given responsibility for additional key markets, including the UK.

The London-based Hole, who sits on the company's board and reports to group chairman and chief executive Lucian Grainge, is also responsible for Universal's classical music business, including Deutsche Grammophon and Decca Classics.

Grainge has moved to beef up top-level management following Universal's £2.1bn acquisition of EMI Music, home to artists including Katy Perry and Coldplay, late last year.

"Max has contributed significantly to the evolution and continued success of our international business," said Grainge. "There is no one better to lead our efforts outside the US, where we anticipate significant growth opportunities with the addition of EMI to our existing international portfolio. Max will play an integral role overseeing our future global development."

Hole, who Grainge said has been instrumental in attracting stars including Taylor Swift, Queen and The Eagles to Universal, has been with the company since 1998.

He was also responsible for striking Universal's deal with The Voice TV format.

• To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".

• To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook.