Photo Credit: Vitaly Gariev
Universal Music Group enacts some major reductions, leading to layoffs impacting the US, UK, and possibly other affiliated organizations.
Universal Music Group (UMG) has started the process of another major wave of layoffs across its operations, affecting several top executives. The move has long been anticipated, continuing a process that was first announced back in January 2024. It follows around 200 layoffs at the company’s Canadian operation last month and also affects “more than 12 roles” there, which represent approximately 6-7% of UMG’s workforce in Canada.
Among the key departures, some of which are transitioning to consulting roles, include Jim Roppo, CEO of Republic Records; Tunji Balogun, Chairman/CEO of Def Jam; Ben Mortimer, President of Polydor UK; and Sam Riback, Co-President of Pop/Rock A&R, Interscope. The news follows the announcement just a day prior that Rebecca Allen would be stepping down from her role as Chief Artist and Strategy Officer at Universal Music Group UK after 27 years with the company.
“At Universal Music Group, our consistent success has been built on our ability to anticipate industry changes. That includes acting early to better serve all our artists and songwriters and to capture opportunities in music’s fastest-growing areas,” said UMG in a statement to Digital Music News.
“Our industry-leading investment in artist development has always guided that work and will continue to do so. We’re bringing in new skills and technology and connecting expertise across our teams to deliver greater global impact and efficiency. Where we have made the difficult decision to remove certain roles, we are deeply grateful for the contributions of the people leaving us.”
The layoffs continue an ongoing trend affecting all three majors over the past several years, but UMG’s move is significant. The company’s revenue had grown to nearly $7.2 billion in the first half of the year, up 5.3% from the first half of 2025. However, costs related to consolidating UMG’s $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music, along with other factors—including its shares plunging ~33% year-to-date and tepid streaming subscriber growth—have severely impeded it since then.
Meanwhile, Warner Music has also recently reduced its employee roster, while Sony Music has also laid off a number of staff in recent years.
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