UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES (UMe) has appointed ANDRE TORRES, founder of WAX POETICS magazine and the former Exec. Editor of GENIUS, VP/Urban Catalog, effective immediately. He will work closely with UMe’s senior management team as well as the leadership at UMG’s labels to develop, implement and execute a global A&R, sales, branding and marketing strategy for hip-hop, rap, R&B, along with other genres in Black music.“At UMe, we are focused on elevating our artists and their legacies by engaging both fans and new audiences,” UMe Pres./CEO BRUCE RESNIKOFF said. “With ANDRE, we are adding a very talented, innovative and entrepreneurial executive, who will collaborate closely with our labels and artists to develop unique experiences, products and releases based on our extensive and industry-leading library of Black, hip-hop and R&B music. With his unique perspective and background, ANDRE has the ability to authentically represent our artists and connect with their fans.”“I’ve spent my professional career helping artists tell their stories, some for the first time and sometimes long after they are gone,” TORRES said. “This new role is the culmination of my entrepreneurial and journalism experience, my love and respect for these artists and the music they create and the opportunity to continue telling their stories. I’m excited to join Bruce, the incredible team at UMe and to work first hand with my musical heroes.”