Rebecca Allen has been promoted to President of UMG U.K.'s Decca Records after 17 years of service to Universal Music and a string of recent success with releases from Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, Dame Vera Lynn and Imelda May. The exec has been MD of the label since 2014 and is described by boss David Joseph as a well-loved "exceptional leader" with "steely determination."

Allen replaces Dickon Stainer, whose sole title is now President and CEO of Global Classics and Jazz. She will continue reporting jointly to Joseph and Stainer in her new role, which is effective immediately.

Decca encompasses three labels: Decca Records, Decca Classics and the newly formed post-classical imprint Mercury KX alongside an expanded roster of affiliate label partners including Deutsche Grammophon, Verve, Blue Note, Universal Nashvilleand Concord.

“Becky is an extraordinary executive,” Joseph said. “Her passion for artists and every area of repertoire is matched only by the very obvious satisfaction she gets out of running an incredible team.

"Pretty much any genre goes at Decca, but the one thing that is predictable is that when Becky and her team get behind a project, there would have to be a very good reason for it not to be a success. This is a very well-deserved promotion.”

Stainer said: “She is a ground-breaker and a catalyst for change. With her at the helm, anything is possible for Decca—the label which finds audiences others cannot reach.”

After joining Universal Classics & Jazz in 1999, Allen remained with the label when it was re-named Decca Records U.K. in 2009. She has been Managing Director since 2014 and previous titles include Director of Media and General Manager.

Over the last few months, Decca has scored Top 10 albums in quick succession with the now-platinum Christmas #1 album from Ball & Boe, plus releases from Dame Vera Lynn and Imelda May.

Since 2014, Allen also achieved Gold breakthrough albums with Gregory Porter and The Shires, and U.K. #1 albums with Rod Stewart and The Lumineers.