Photo Credit: Dave Cobb, Chief Creative Officer, and Mike Harris, CEO UMG Nashville
Universal Music Group reorganizes its Nashville operations, appointing Mike Harris as CEO and Dave Cobb as Chief Creative Officer.
In recognition of the growing global influence of country music as well as the rapid evolution of the genre as a multifaceted art form, Universal Music Group (UMG) is reorganizing its Nashville-based operations. The move comes as UMG, the US leader in country music for a decade, aims to enhance its position as the premiere home for country artists. The broader company at large underwent restructuring early last year.
Highly respected Music Row executive, Mike Harris, who served as COO, EVP of UMG Nashville, has been appointed CEO. Dave Cobb, a nine-time Grammy winning producer who has had significant influence on the sound of Music City, has been appointed Chief Creative Officer. Cindy Mabe, Chair and CEO of UMG Nashville, is leaving the company to pursue new opportunities.
In making the announcement, UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge said, “We see an incredible opportunity to expand our presence in Nashville and build upon our industry leading track record. The worldwide success of our country artists demonstrates that the genre truly has no boundaries and I’m excited for what lies ahead creatively and commercially.”
“I want to thank Cindy Mabe for all her contributions to our Nashville company,” Grainge added. “She leaves UMG with our gratitude and respect.”
Harris said, “I am humbled to have been asked by Sir Lucian to lead UMG Nashville at such an important and exciting time in country music. I also look forward to work closely with Dave Cobb, the amazing roster of artists, and my friends at UMG Nashville.”
Harris joined UMG Nashville as EVP, COO in 2016, after 15 years at EMI, where he held various positions. These include, most recently, EVP GM for Caroline, a division of Capitol Music Group/EMI.
Cobb shared, “I am incredibly excited to work with Mike Harris. I’m here to honor the past and look forward to the future.”
Dave Cobb is one of Nashville’s most in-demand collaborators, regardless of genre, and has worked with and produced countless acclaimed artists and albums. These include Chris Stapleton’s 6x-platinum Traveller, Jason Isbell’s Southeastern, and Brandi Carlile’s By the Way I Forgive You. His recent works include albums for Mumford & Sons, Red Clay Strays, Zayn, Greta Van Fleet, Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, and music for the forthcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic, Deliver Me From Nowhere.
Cobb’s interest in the intersection of film and music has led to him becoming a go-to film music producer and creative consultant. He has worked on Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS, Jessica Chastain’s Eyes of Tammy Faye, The Hunger Games prequel Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and the 2018 remake of A Star Is Born, producing Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way.”