Universal Music Group has reorganised its Nashville operation.
The major said it was making the changes “to enhance its position as the premier home for country artists” amid the genre’s growing global influence.
Mike Harris, who served as COO, EVP of UMG Nashville, has been appointed CEO.
Dave Cobb, a nine-time Grammy Award winning producer, has been appointed chief creative officer.
Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of UMG, 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.”
Cindy Mabe, chair and CEO of UMG Nashville, is leaving the company to pursue new opportunities.
Sir Lucian added: “I want to thank Cindy Mabe for all her contributions to our Nashville company. She leaves UMG with our gratitude and respect.”
Mike 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 working closely with Dave Cobb, the amazing roster of artists and my friends at UMG Nashville.”
Dave Cobb said: “I am incredibly excited to work with Mike Harris, I’m here to honour the past, and look to the future.”
Harris joined UMG Nashville as EVP, COO in 2016, after 15 years at EMI, where he held various positions including, most recently, EVP GM for Caroline, a division of the Capitol Music Group/EMI.
Dave Cobb has worked with and produced many artists and albums including Chris Stapleton’s multi-platinum Traveller, Jason Isbell’s Southeastern and Brandi Carlile’s By The Way I Forgive You. His discography also includes work with Barry Gibb, The Highwomen, Slash, Marcus King, Teddy Swims, Stevie Nicks, Whiskey Myers, Zach Bryan, Colter Wall and many more.
Cobb’s recent works include albums for Mumford & Sons, Red Clay Strays, Zayn, Greta Van Fleet, Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire and music for Deliver Me From Nowhere, the forthcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic.
Cobb’s interest in the intersection of film and music has seen him increasingly involved as a music producer and creative consultant working on movie projects, such as Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, Jessica Chastain’s The Eyes Of Tammy Faye, Hunger Games prequel Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes, and the 2018 remake of A Star Is Born.
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