Michelle Jubelirer is stepping down as chairman-CEO of Capitol Music Group, effective immediately. This departure is part of a larger anticipated reorganization within Universal Music Group (UMG), as announced by UMG’s chairman-CEO Lucian Grainge. The reorganization includes a realignment of label reporting structures, with West Coast labels, including Capitol, now reporting to Interscope and East Coast labels reporting to Republic.
Jubelirer’s exit follows the departure of Ethiopia Habtemariam from Motown, marking her as the second female label chief to leave UMG in recent times. This leaves Julie Greenwald of Atlantic and Sylvia Rhone of Epic as the only remaining female heads of major labels, with Jody Gerson at Universal Music Publishing and Carianne Marshall of Warner Chappell leading major publishing companies.
The decision comes after Jubelirer led Capitol Music Group through two years of significant growth, overcoming a period of stagnation. Her leadership saw major successes with artists like Sam Smith, whose song “Unholy” achieved global recognition, and Ice Spice.
Before her tenure at Capitol, Jubelirer was a respected attorney in the music industry, working with high-profile clients such as Frank Ocean, Pharrell Williams, and M.I.A.
In her statement, Jubelirer expressed her mixed emotions about leaving Capitol Music Group, highlighting the achievements and team spirit fostered under her leadership. She emphasized the quick turnaround and success the group has experienced, attributing it to the collective effort of a diverse and passionate team.
Lucian Grainge, in his statement, acknowledged Jubelirer’s significant contributions to Universal Music Group over more than a decade, particularly praising her leadership at Capitol Music Group. He expressed respect for her decision to leave and wished her the best in her future endeavors as the company moves forward with its centralization plans.
