UMG appoints James Steven as chief communications officer

In the role, Steven will lead the company’s internal and external communications and oversee communications functions across UMG’s operating companies worldwide. He will be based in New York and report to UMG’s chief administrative officer, Will Tanous.

Tanous said Steven brings extensive experience in strategic communications across media and technology. “I know first-hand the extraordinary skill and dedication James brings to strategic communications and storytelling. His love of music and his broad experience across media and technology makes him an ideal fit for UMG as we enter the next phase of growth,” he said.

UMG chairman and chief executive Sir Lucian Grainge said the appointment followed an expansion of Tanous’s responsibilities within the company. “We welcome James to UMG and look forward to his contributions. Given Will’s broadened role, it was important that we brought in a communications executive with experience and perspective – one who was able to step right in to help us continue to shape the future of music,” Grainge said.

Steven joins UMG from Warner Music Group (WMG), where he served as chief communications officer for the past decade. During his tenure, he was part of the executive team that oversaw several major developments at WMG, including the company’s initial public offering in 2020 and a leadership transition in 2022. He is also a current board member of the Recording Industry Association of America.

Before joining Warner Music Group, Steven held senior positions at public relations firms, advising clients across the technology, entertainment, automotive and food sectors. He joined WMG in London in 2007 and relocated to New York in 2012, later becoming senior vice president of communications and marketing before being appointed chief communications officer in 2015.