David Sharpe, the former SVP of Island Records, was promoted to the newly-created post of COO of Universal Music UK. The promotion was announced last Friday by Chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK David Joseph. Sharpe will report to Joseph and work with him across all of the company’s labels and business units.
Sharpe had been at Island since 2003, beginning as a Finance Director before assuming his most recent position, where he headed Island’s finance, sales, pricing, catalog and digital responsibilities, as well as helping to create artist web shops and ticketing deals for many of the label’s clients.
Before joining Universal, Sharpe worked with UMTV, Virgin Records UK and Capitol Records in Los Angeles.
“I am delighted to be taking on this role and to be working more closely with David and Boyd,” said Sharpe in a release. “These are very exciting and challenging times in the music business and I’m looking forward to helping to grow Universal Music’s business.”
In another high level shakeup at Universal UK, Chief Financial Officer David Bryant left the business, reportedly to pursue new opportunities.
“I’d like to thank David Bryant who has been so integral to the business and for the huge contribution he has made in his 17 years as part of the senior team at Universal Music,” said Joseph in a statement.