Universal Music UK has hired Brian Celler in the newly-created role of EVP, head of international.
Reporting to chairman and CEO David Joseph, Celler (pictured) will work with UMG’s companies in more than 60 countries to promote artists signed to the UK company and leverage UMG’s global reach, as the label underlines its commitment to taking UK-signed talent around the globe.
Celler takes the helm of Universal Music UK’s international team as it continues to roll out successful global campaigns for Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, Mumford & Sons, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Florence + The Machine, Lana Del Rey and Years & Years, among many others.
He said: “I've had the honour to work with some of the pioneers in all aspects of music throughout my career, and feel an incredible sense of pride to be joining David's UK team, who I know first-hand are uniquely suited to confront the challenges facing everyone who places both personal and intrinsic value in music, especially new artists trying to get their start.”
After more than 20 years in international marketing and artist management, Celler is perhaps best known for his work with U2. He joined Principle/Maverick Management as managing director in 2009 and for seven years was immersed in all aspects of the band’s management operations including touring, recording and marketing.
Joseph said: “We have got to know Brian well during his time with U2 and he is an impressive marketeer and strategic thinker. He is also a passionate advocate of new talent.
“Brian is already respected by our labels and media around the world and there are few people working in music today with such an encyclopaedic knowledge of our global market, both from an artist and label perspective.”
Following his studies in linguistics at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Celler started his music industry career in the live business, travelling the world in the production teams of Aerosmith, AC/DC and Metallica. From 1993 to 1997, he was an artist manager with Q Prime, after which he spent nine years in artist development and international marketing roles at Sony Music in New York and London, latterly as head of international marketing based in New York.
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