(L-R): Adam Holt, Chairman, Universal Music New Zealand; Myra Hemara, Co-Managing Director, Universal Music New Zealand; Matt Kidd, Co-Managing Director, Universal Music New Zealand
Universal Music Australia & New Zealand President and CEO Sean Warner has announced some changes at Universal Music New Zealand. UMNZ Managing Director & Chairman Adam Holt will retire effective April 30, 2025 after 24 years of leading the company and 34 years with UMG.
Adam Holt will be succeeded by Myra Hemara and Matt Kidd, who have been promoted to Co-Managing Directors effective May 1, 2025. They will report directly to Sean Warner.
“Adam’s commitment to our company, our artists, our people, and the greater New Zealand music industry has been nothing short of exemplary,” says Sean Warner about the announcement. “Throughout his tenure he consistently promoted a positive culture of both UMNZ and UMA garnering him enormous respect from both employees and artists alike. Adam is a passionate music man, caring mentor and consummate professional, who led from the front to make lifelong friends across the UMG, the artist community, and with our partners around the world.”
“Leading the New Zealand company for UMG has been the experience of my life,” adds Adam Holt. “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved and the challenges we have successfully navigated over the years, but it’s time for me and the company to start the next chapter. A big thank you to Sir Lucian Grainge and Sean for trusting me with UMNZ for so long, and a huge thank you to the entire Universal Music team across New Zealand and Australia.”
Warner says he is thrilled to announce that current UMNZ General Managers, Myra Hemara and Matt Kidd will become the new Co-Managing Directors of the company. Matt and Myra have incredible experience within UMNZ and have been at the forefront of the changes made in New Zealand over the last couple of years.
“Together, with the support of UMNZ Chief Financial Officer & Commercial Director Tony Jenks, they will form a strong executive leadership team that will drive a new era of success for Universal Music New Zealand,” Warner concludes.
Myra Hemara joined UMNZ in 2006 and helped establish the label’s digital department and strategy. After navigating the NZ company through ever-changing digital landscape, Myra was appointed General Manager in 2017, taking on the additional responsibilities of leading UMNZ’s international artist marketing and audience development teams.
“Being given this opportunity to lead Universal Music New Zealand alongside Matt is a great privilege and honor,” Hemara adds. “The legacy Adam has created for our artists and staff has provided an incredible foundation for Matt and I to build on. I’m looking forward to fostering a culture of connection, creativity, and collaboration and delivering even more success for our incredibly talented artists.”
Matt Kidd has been with UMNZ for 12 years. He began his label career in promotions and public relations, before stepping up to lead UMNZ’s domestic repertoire and business development teams. Since 2017, his focus in his role as General Manager has been on exporting New Zealand talent globally.
“Thank you to Sean for giving Myra and I the opportunity to lead this great company,” adds Kidd. “it’s exciting to take on this new role at a thrilling point in the business, where the landscape and scope for how we can work with and develop our artists is changing dramatically. I’m beyond excited to be a part of the best team in the country and to continue driving excellence and innovation for our artists in New Zealand and around the world.”
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