Bruce Resnikoff appointed UMe chairman, Jamie Krents named CEO

The promotions were announced on 3 February. In his new role, Resnikoff will focus on expanding UMe’s activities, including estate management and the acquisition of name and likeness, recorded music and audiovisual rights. He will also continue advising UMG artists with whom he has long-standing professional relationships.

Commenting on the appointments, UMG chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge said Resnikoff had played a defining role in shaping the modern catalogue business. “Bruce is a brilliant executive who defined the modern catalogue business, always evolving new ways of championing iconic recordings and the world’s most influential artists,” Grainge said. He added that Resnikoff’s leadership had established UMe as the company’s most successful catalogue division.

Resnikoff said UMe carried a responsibility to preserve and amplify artists’ legacies. “UMe carries the responsibility of amplifying great artists, their culture-shaping stories, and a catalogue of classic albums,” he said. “I’m excited to continue pushing UMe forward, working alongside Jamie to develop fresh ways to grow our artists’ careers, fanbases and legacies.”

Krents’ expanded remit at UMe will see him leading the development of new campaigns with an emphasis on digital innovation and direct-to-fan engagement. Sir Lucian Grainge said Krents’ approach made him well suited to the role, noting that “Jamie’s inventiveness and artist-first approach make him an ideal leader to further strengthen UMe”.

Krents said the appointment reflected a shared philosophy between UMe and Verve. “Both UMe and Verve share a deep commitment to artistry and originality,” he said. “I’m honoured to take on this expanded role, working with Bruce and building on his leadership and vision, as we continue to invest in timeless talent and develop new initiatives to help our artists deliver lasting cultural and commercial impact.”

Resnikoff founded UMe in 1998 following the merger of PolyGram and Universal, establishing a model for catalogue management that has since been widely adopted across the music industry. He joined MCA Records in 1983 and went on to hold a number of senior roles within UMG, including President and CEO of Verve Records between 2008 and 2011. He has also been involved in film, television and live theatre projects linked to UMG’s catalogue and serves on several non-profit boards.

Krents has spent his entire executive career at UMG, joining Verve in 1998 and rising to President and CEO of the Verve Label Group in 2024. He oversees strategy across several labels, including Verve Records, Impulse! Records and Decca Records US, and has played a key role in the label group’s recent commercial and critical success. He is also overseeing plans to mark the 70th anniversary of Verve Records in 2026 through a year-long programme of releases, events and partnerships.