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Max Hole steps down at Universal Music Group International’s CEO
By Andy Malt | Published on Wednesday 21 October 2015
Max Hole has announced this morning that he is stepping down from his role as Chairman and CEO of Universal Music’s international division with immediate effect.
Hole has been unwell since January, when he contracted the rare medical condition encephalitis, which has resulted in some memory loss. Although he is reportedly making progress towards recovery, it is not currently possible for him to return to work.
As previously reported, Hole was promoted to the role leading Universal Music’s non-US activities in 2013, having previously been COO of the international business. The company’s regional chiefs will now report directly to overall UMG CEO Lucian Grainge.
In a statement, Hole said: “I have loved working at Universal, the best record company in the world. Lucian is an extraordinary person, both an exceptional creative and business executive for whom I have great affection. We have known each other for a very, very long time and I’m so glad we remain friends”.
He went on: “I love so many of my colleagues around the world that there are too many to name, but I’d like to mention my close friends Boyd Muir, Richard Constant, David Joseph, Frank Briegmann, Pascal Nègre, George Ash, Jesus Lopez and Andrew Kronfeld. Finally, there are our incredible artists, some I have been close to and some I have watched and loved from a distance. I wish our artists and Universal a hugely successful future”.
Grainge added: “Max Hole is one of the most talented and accomplished executives to have ever worked in the music business, with an undying passion for music. He has been one of our industry’s most effective champions, opening new markets and creating opportunities for artists and fans everywhere. Max’s contributions to Universal will be forever a part of the fabric of this company and our industry, and he leaves with our deepest gratitude and respect”.
Hole first joined Universal Music in 1998 as Senior Vice President, Marketing and A&R, though his career in the major label system began in 1982, when he joined Warner Music UK as A&R Manager. Prior to that, he had worked independently as a record producer and artist manager.
