Universal Music U.K. exec David Hawkes has been promoted to MD of the major label's Commercial Division. Hawkes replaces Brian Rose, who is departing for Apple.

Rose is thought to have been tapped for U.K. & Ireland Country Manager, Apple Music and iTunes, according to speculation by MBW. The exec spent 13 years at Universal after joining in 2003 from BMG. He has been MD of Universal Music U.K.'s Commercial Division for 11 years.

Reporting to Universal Music U.K. COO David Sharpe, Hawkes starts his new role after 14 years with imprint Island Records, most recently as GM. Since 2014 he has also been Group Director of e-Commerce. The promotion will see him adding sales, central digital and audience research & planning to his brief.

“David has a potent combination of experience from traditional bricks and mortar retail through to the fast-evolving streaming market, as well as being a constant innovator throughout his time at Island," said Universal U.K. boss David Joseph.

"There is no question the whole business will feel the benefit of his entrepreneurial approach in his new role... David will be picking up from the fantastic job Brian has done in his 13 years with us. Brian has made an immeasurable contribution to Universal Music U.K., striking deals which have changed the shape of our business as well as overseeing countless exceptional retail campaigns for our artists. We wish him all the very best for the future.”

Hawkes joined Island from Kingfisher Group in 2002 as Head of Sales. He was promoted to Commercial Manager in 2006, expanding his role and the horizons of the Island team with web stores and ticketing offers for Portishead, Keane, Mumford & Sons and Florence + the Machine.

He was promoted to Commercial Director at Island in 2010, branching into areas of brand management, licensing and finance, before becoming General Manager in 2014.

"The rapid evolution of our business including the growth in streaming and the robustness of physical music-buying makes this an exciting, challenging and enjoyable time to be taking this next step in my career, working with the supremely talented people across both Universal’s labels and our business partners," shared Hawkes.