SANTA MONICA, APRIL 25, 2019 —Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced that JJ Corsini and Chris Hovsepian each have been named Senior Vice President, Artist Development, effective Wed., May 1. They join from Apple Music, where they served as key members of the company’s Global Artist Relations team since the launch of the streaming service.

Chris Hovsepian (left) and JJ Corsini. Photo credit Fouad Jreige

Leveraging their deep experience in music programming, non-traditional marketing and global streaming platforms, Corsini and Hovsepian will work alongside UMG’s repertoire sources in more than 60 countries to develop and coordinate long-term development strategies for UMG artists at all stages of their careers. They will be based at UMG’s global headquarters in Santa Monica and report to Andrew Kronfeld, Executive Vice President of Marketing.

In making the announcement, Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG’s Chairman and CEO, said, “To maximize the global success of our artists at every stage of their careers and capitalize on the worldwide growth in music consumption, we are committed to building the most progressive and innovative global artist development team the industry has ever seen. I’m pleased to welcome JJ and Chris, who bring with them a strong track record for developing impactful narratives around artists that particularly resonate in streaming and social context.”

Kronfeld said, “I have admired the success that JJ and Chris have had at developing innovative strategies for artists on Apple Music and I’m thrilled to have them join our global team. At UMG, we have consistently demonstrated that a global hit can be in any language and come from anywhere in the world. JJ and Chris will further our efforts and leverage the strength of our global organization behind the best roster of artists in the world.”

“Artist development is the most critical, yet overlooked and underserved process, in the music industry,” Corsini said. “Investing time and resources into artist development requires commitment and an understanding that patience and a common goal are the most core elements of growth. Chris and I have been on the same page with Sir Lucian about that since day 1. We are both very excited for this incredible opportunity.”

“UMG shares our vision of embracing quality over quantity and our commitment to enhancing and executing the artist’s vision,” Hovsepian said. “Quick wins may be more frequent than ever, but the artists who take time to build a foundation are the ones who will have long careers. JJ and I look forward to working with Sir Lucian, Andrew Kronfeld, Dave Rocco, the extended team and of course UMG’s amazing artists.”

At Apple Music, Corsini and Hovsepian were key members of Apple Music’s global Artist Relations team, where they helped create and program Apple Music’s global new artist initiative Up Next, which has featured UMG artists including Billie Eilish and Juice WRLD, as well as program select playlists and Beats 1 shows including Zane Lowe’s program and Best of The Week.

Additionally, Corsini and Hovsepian were responsible for identifying artists across every genre and every territory, including UMG artists Maggie Rogers, Jessie Reyez, Dean Lewis, Benny Blanco, Trippie Redd and Murda Beatz, and developing strategies to raise their profile inside and outside of the Apple Music ecosystem.

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. Find out more at: http://www.universalmusic.com.

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