Universal Music Group begins layoffs in US and UK as top label executives depart

Left · 2Universal Music Group (UMG) is carrying out extensive layoffs across its US and UK operations, and several senior executives are leaving. 1 2 Left · 1Variety reports that the moves are expected to take place across Wednesday and Thursday. 1 Left · 2Sources told both Variety and The Hollywood Reporter that Def Jam CEO Tunji Balogun and Interscope executives Sam Riback and Nicole Wyskoarko are leaving. The Hollywood Reporter says Balogun has led Def Jam since 2022. 1 2

Left · 2Republic Records chairman and CEO Jim Roppo is also reported to be leaving, and is widely expected to join Warner Records. Variety says neither company has confirmed that move. The Hollywood Reporter says Warner did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 1 2 Left · 2Some executives are taking on bigger roles. Jeffrey Remedios and Tyler Arnold are to get new leadership roles at Republic, and Variety adds that Island co-CEOs Imran Majid and Justin Eshak will take on greater roles in UMG's East Coast labels. The Hollywood Reporter says Interscope's Laura Carter, Ramon Alvarez-Smikle and Michelle An will take broader leadership roles. 1 2 Left · 2In the UK, Ben Mortimer is stepping down as president of Polydor Label Group, with Jodie Cammidge as interim chief. UMRecordings UK president Hannah Neaves is moving to a consultancy role. Rebecca Allen announced on Tuesday that she is leaving her post as Chief Artist and Strategy Officer, a job she was promoted to in December. UMG Ireland managing director Mark Crossingham is also leaving, and Variety says Nick Younger will succeed him. 1 2

Left · 1The Hollywood Reporter adds that Ivo Sacchi, who led UMG's Switzerland and Austria operations, is leaving and will be succeeded by Ulf Zick. 2 Left · 2UMG Canada had already cut staff earlier. Variety puts that at around 200 layoffs late last month, while The Hollywood Reporter says only that they came earlier this month. 1 2 Left · 2A UMG spokesperson said the company is "bringing in new skills and technology and connecting expertise across our teams to deliver greater global impact and greater efficiency". The spokesperson added: "Where we have made the difficult decision to remove certain roles, we are deeply grateful for the contributions of the people leaving us." 1 2

Left · 2The Hollywood Reporter ties the layoffs to a $270 million cost-savings initiative announced in 2024. Variety says sources describe them as the continuation of a process announced in January 2024. 2 1 Left · 1Variety reports that UMG's first-half 2026 revenue grew 5.3% to nearly $7.2 billion, though costs from consolidating its $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music weighed on results. It puts the cuts in the context of a streaming market that has leveled off and shifting audience attention. 1 Left · 2Both outlets place the cuts within wider industry belt-tightening. Variety says Warner Music has eliminated a large share of its staff and Sony has also made many cuts. The Hollywood Reporter says Warner announced layoffs last year that saved $170 million, and notes that Netflix announced a cut of about 6 percent of its workforce on the same day. 1 2