Universal Music Group has announced the promotion of Laura Monks to the role of general manager of Decca Records.
As exclusively revealed in the latest issue of Music Week, Monks is stepping up at the label as it launches a major run of Q4 releases, including a No.1 album for Rod Stewart and releases from Andrea Bocelli, Katherine Jenkins, Jeff Goldblum and Alfie Boe.
During her six years at the label, Monks has worked on successful campaigns for Ball & Boe, Gregory Porter, The Lumineers, Aurora, Andrea Bocelli and The Shires.
Monks started at Decca as senior digital campaign manager, moving to head of digital in 2013, director of digital & commercial partnerships in 2015 and director of marketing & commercial partnerships in 2016. She will continue to report to Rebecca Allen, President of Decca Records.
Allen said: “Laura is without doubt one of the most exciting executives in the industry. Her drive, leadership and passion for this business has strengthened Decca as a music company. Laura pushes me as a label Head and always has an eye on our future. She isn’t afraid to challenge and isn’t afraid to debate. I am so ridiculously happy for her and wouldn’t want anyone else by my side taking Decca forward.”
Her drive, leadership and passion for this business has strengthened Decca
Rebecca Allen
Monks added: "I am so proud to be taking on this role at Decca, such a historic label and home to a hugely diverse roster of artists - no day ever the same, every plan and challenge unique. There's nowhere like it! Cutting through and making a difference, taking people by surprise, is what we strive for and I'm excited to lead a team of incredibly passionate and driven individuals in taking on this challenge and the next that will come along."
Monks began her career at EMI Classics as digital assistant and left as international digital manager in 2012.
Sophie Hilton, currently head of marketing, will step up to become director of marketing and visual creative, Decca UK, reporting into Monks. Hilton won a Music Week Award last year for the Ball & Boe Together campaign.
As well as it’s No.1 with Stewart, Decca has had global breakthrough success this year with classical artist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and managed to issue the recording of the royal wedding on streaming platforms within hours of the ceremony.
The company also has an expanded global line-up of affiliate label partners including Deutsche Grammophon, Verve, Blue Note, Universal Nashville and Concord.
To read the full interviews with Allen and Monks pick up the latest issue of Music Week - or subscribers can click here. To subscribe and never miss a big industry story click here.
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