Sir Lucian Grainge is set to be honored as media person of the year by the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. As Universal Music Group’s chairman and CEO, Grainge will be the first music executive to receive the award, which “recognizes innovators who have shaped the future of media” and was first handed out in 1999, a press release announced.
The award will be presented to Grainge on June 21, during the festival in Cannes, France.
“Through creative drive, passion and outstanding leadership, Sir Lucian has made bold investments in music and technology that helped return the industry to growth, while continuing to foster an environment that puts artists first,” Philip Thomas, CEO of Ascential Events, the organizers behind Cannes Lions, stated. “During his tenure, Grainge has transformed Universal Music Group into a world leader in music-based entertainment and we’re delighted to honor him as this year’s media person of the year.”
“While today’s music industry is virtually unrecognizable from the business I started in, one thing that hasn’t changed is that great artists and great music remain at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to demonstrate how traditional media businesses can reinvent themselves in the age of streaming, leverage new technologies and work closely with brand partners to develop exciting opportunities for artists, labels and fans. On behalf of everyone at UMG and all of our recording artists and songwriters, we’re very thankful to Cannes Lions for this honor,” said Grainge, who has worked with a range of major artists throughout his four-decade career in the music — including Justin Bieber, Elton John, Jay Z, Rihanna, the Rolling Stones, U2 and more.
Grainge, who was a leader in UMG’s acquisition of EMI’s recorded music assets and the revitalization of Capitol Records, also serves on the Lionsgate Entertainment Corp. and Northeastern University boards. In 2016, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for accomplishments and leadership in the music business, as well as contributions to British business and inward investment.