(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Paul Connolly has been promoted to president of Europe/managing director UK for Universal Music Publishing Group. In this new role, he will continue to preside over the company's European activities as well as oversee the company's U.K. operation, and continue to report to David Renzer, chairman & chief executive oficer of UMPG.
"Paul's passion, creativity, and vision have helped solidify UMPG's reputation as a company that combines creative excellence with business strength," said Renzer. "I'm happy to recognize Paul's achievements with this promotion, as one of our company's strengths is also our outstanding senior management team."
"What we've achieved is testament to this company's tremendous assets – its artists, songwriters, catalogues, executives and employees," said Connolly. "I''m delighted that the new agreement will give me further opportunities to build on the great results we've achieved artistically and commercially over many years."
Connolly joined the company, then MCA Music, in 1988 as an A&R scout. He was appointed to A&R rirector in 1991 and managing director in 1994. In 1997, he became vice president of MCA Music International in addition to his role of U.K. managing director and in 1999 was appointed executive vice president, Europe and Managing Director, U.K. of newly formed Universal Music Publishing.
During his time with the company, Connolly has built a reputation for signing cutting-edge talent across all musical genres, while his executive tenure has seen UMP emerge as a creative driving force across the music industry. Key signings and re-negotiations during Connolly's tenure include Air, Basement Jax,; Chemical Brothers, The Clash, The Darkness, DJ Shadow, Flaming Lips, Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, Metallica, Metrophonic, Mylo, Nine Inch Nails, NWA, Queens of the Stone Age, Royksopp, Smashing Pumpkins, The Smiths, Soundgarden, Stereophonics, The Streets, The Undertones, Van Morrison, and Elton John, amongst others. –Bob Gropssweiner and Jane Cohen
