Universal Music Group (UMG) is restructuring its operations into two divisions: the West Coast division, consolidated under the Interscope Capitol Labels Group led by John Janick, and the East Coast division, now known as Republic Corps, headed by Monte Lipman as Chairman and CEO. Jim Roppo, previously co-president of Republic Records, has been appointed President and COO of Republic Corps, reporting to Monte and Avery Lipman. Wendy Goldstein, another former co-president at Republic Records, has been promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer of Republic Records.
Lipman, (upper) Janick, Goldstein, Roppo and Arnold
The leadership within UMG’s labels remains largely unchanged, ensuring stability across its operations. Tyler Arnold and Ben Adelson continue at Mercury Records as President and General Manager, respectively. Island Records is led by Co-CEOs Justin Eshak and Imran Majid. Def Jam Recordings is under Tunji Balogun as Chairman and CEO, and Glenn Mendlinger is the President of Imperial Music/Casablanca Records.
Gary Spangler now heads the Promotion Department at Republic Corps, with support from Lucas Romeo and Ayelet Schiffman. The department includes format leaders like Natina Nimene for Urban, Brett Dumler for Pop, Davey Dee Ingenloff for Rhythm, Manny Simon for Adult formats, and Amanda Dobbins for Rock.
Mike Alexander, formerly General Manager at Island Records, has moved to oversee global marketing for Republic Corps. His team comprises Myra DeCastro (Def Jam), Steve Rowen (Island), and Zoe Briggs (Republic/Mercury). Joseph Carozza, previously Republic’s Head of Media, now leads media strategy for Republic Corps with support from Beau Benton (Republic), Marisa Bianco (Mercury), Lauren Ceradini (Def Jam), and Lauren Schneider (Island).
On the legal side, Steve Gawley and Joe Schmidt continue as executive VPs, reporting directly to the Lipmans. The Republic Corps team also includes Jenny Beal (Production), Brittney Ramsdell (Creative Synchronization), Meredith Oliver, and Liza Corsey (A&R Administration), alongside a data and analytics team.
This restructuring divides UMG’s labels into an East Coast-West Coast structure, with Republic Corps encompassing the East Coast operations. This reorganization aims to streamline operations and enhance market presence while maintaining the independence and creative autonomy of each label. The leadership appointments and the formation of specialized teams reflect UMG’s strategy to adapt to the changing music industry landscape, aiming for greater efficiency, innovation, and market competitiveness.
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