Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge will become the first music business executive to win the Cannes Lions Media Person Of The Year award.
Sir Lucian will pick up the award at a ceremony during the festival on June 21 in recognition of his work as an “innovator who has shaped the future of the media”.
“While today’s music industry is virtually unrecognisable from the business I started in, one thing that hasn’t changed is that great artists and great music remain at the heart of everything we do,” said Sir Lucian. “We are proud to demonstrate how traditional media businesses can reinvent themselves in the age of streaming, leverage new technologies and work closely with brand partners to develop exciting opportunities for artists, labels and fans. On behalf of everyone at UMG and all of our recording artists and songwriters, we’re very thankful to Cannes Lions for this honour.”
Philip Thomas, CEO of Ascential Events, organisers of Cannes Lions, said: “Through creative drive, passion and outstanding leadership, Sir Lucian has made bold investments in music and technology that helped return the industry to growth, while continuing to foster an environment that puts artists first. During his tenure, Grainge has transformed Universal Music Group into a world leader in music-based entertainment and we’re delighted to honour him as this year’s Media Person of the Year.”
Sir Lucian has led Universal since 2011, overseeing the acquisition of EMI, revitalising Capitol Records and championing new business models. Last year he was knighted in the Queen’s 90th birthday honours, telling Music Week: “I feel as though it’s an honour for the entire industry.”
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