“My career has had more twists and turns than an EastEnders plot line”. These were the words the highly-respected, award-winning executive Rebecca Allen gave Music Week last month as part of our world exclusive triple cover on the new era of Universal Music Group UK. With that in mind, then, it is officially time for Allen to reveal yet another exciting twist in her career.
Today (December 10), Universal Music Group UK has announced the promotion of Allen to the newly-formed, “first-of-its-kind” leadership role of chief artist and strategy officer.
As you will no doubt recall, in July 2024, Allen – previously a president of Decca, and co-president of EMI – was tasked with launching UMG UK’s new Audience & Media Division – as its president. In that role, Allen led the largest team at the major, which united specialist teams across artist relations, digital, media, data, insight, and audience development.
In her new role, Universal have confirmed that Allen will continue to lead the Audience, Media & Strategy (AMS) and Artist Relations teams, but will also take on a much broader remit.
An official press release from the major stated that as chief artist and strategy officer, Allen will now support UMG UK’s labels (Island-EMI Label Group, Polydor Label Group – including Polydor, Capitol UK and 0207 Def Jam – Decca, Fontana and Universal Music Recordings) in “helping artists navigate every step of their journey within the company, from new signings to established acts, to build long-term success.”
It added that Allen will be “pivotal in connecting different teams to ensure artists benefit from the unique breadth and scope of opportunities at UMG.”
Becky’s an exceptional executive – this new role will empower her to ensure that every part of UMG is harnessed and activated for the benefit of the artist
Dickon Stainer, Universal Music Group UK
Allen will also work alongside the International Marketing and Globe creative teams, together with US and affiliate partners, to support artists, managers and entrepreneurs in the ever-evolving global marketplace, and encourage broader outreach within education and culture.
Speaking about Allen’s promotion, Dickon Stainer, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group UK and Ireland, said: “Becky is an exceptional executive whose experience across many different parts of the company gives her unique insight into the artist journey. This new role will empower her to ensure that every part of UMG is harnessed and activated for the benefit of the artist.”
Allen added: “Stepping into this role means a great deal to me. Supporting artists and helping them realise their ambitions has driven me throughout my career, and it’s something I care about deeply. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many inspiring artists, managers and colleagues, and I’m excited to deepen those relationships as we continue building a creative, collaborative and artist-first environment at UMG UK.”
Rebecca Allen shot exclusively for Music Week (Photo: Carsten Windhorst & Gerard Hynes)
Previously, Allen became the first woman to lead Decca in its 90-year distinguished history, while in 2020, she became president of EMI Records (later joined by Jo Charrington as co-president in 2022). During her time at EMI, the label won Music Week’s prestigious Record Company Of The Year for two consecutive years and it was the No.1 label in the UK for marketshare.
Stepping into this role means a great deal to me, supporting artists and helping them realise their ambitions has driven me throughout my career
Rebecca Allen, Universal Music Group UK
Over her 25-year career, Rebecca Allen has played an instrumental role in creating long-standing relationships with the artist and management community, and has worked with a wide range of artists from Elton John and Andrea Bocelli to Loyle Carner and Olivia Dean. Allen also chaired the 2018 Classic BRIT Awards and co-chaired the BAFTA-nominated 2021 BRIT Awards. She is, to date, the only executive to manage both.
Beyond her work at UMG UK, Allen is also a Trustee of the BRIT School, was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Trinity Laban Conservatoire in 2023, and has an Honorary Doctorate from Buckinghamshire New University. She was also named Businesswoman Of The Year at the 2017 Music Week Women in Music Awards.
You can revisit Allen’s recent Music Week interview, alongside International Marketing president Nickie Owen, in full here.
In more Universal news, yesterday UMG, in partnership with its hospitality venture UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle, launched two new UMusic Shop locations in New York and London. According to the announcement, the stores are “dedicated to reimagining the fan experience”.
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