UMG Global Classics and Jazz President/CEO Dickon Stainer has been named chairman/CEO of UMG U.K. in the wake of longtime head David Joseph's surprise departure yesterday (9/23).

In his new role, Stainer will be responsible for the Island EMI Label Group, Polydor Label Group, Decca Records and the recently formed Audience and Media division, as well as Abbey Road Studios.

Stainer has overseen the Global Classics and Jazz division for the past 10 years, enjoying recent Grammy success with Jon Batiste, who won Album of the Year in 2022, and Samara Joy, winner of Best New Artist in 2023.

“Dickon has embraced an expansive musical worldview throughout his career, taking artists from a wide variety of genres and bringing them to audiences globally," said UMG Chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge. "He not only has deep experience in leveraging our worldwide organization on behalf of our artists but a track record that includes global commercial and creative artist successes and countless awards in many countries."

“It's an honor to be asked by Sir Lucian Grainge to lead Universal Music U.K.," Stainer said. "The depth of talent that we have at the company, coupled with our remarkable roster of artists, gives me tremendous confidence in what we can achieve together. Having worked in both the international and domestic divisions of UMG, I know how central the U.K. is to the global music industry—a vital repertoire source that provides the world with great artists and great music. I can’t wait to get started.”