Universal Music Forms Global Impact Team; Names Chief Impact Officer; Hires GreenBiz Veteran as Head of Sustainability

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music entertainment company, has formed a Global Impact Team to further drive community engagement, environmental sustainability, events and special projects, the company said.

Here are four things to know about Universal Music's sustainability strategy, and key executives to know.

1. Business Scope and Scale: Universal Music Group is a Dutch–American multinational business based in Hilversum, Netherlands -- thought the UMG's operational headquarters is based in Santa Monica, California. Revenue was €11.1 billion in 2023, up 7.4% from 2022. Adjusted EBITDA was €2.4 billion, up 11.0% compared to 2022. The company had roughly 10,000 employees at the end of 2022, according to Music World Business, though we don't have more current headcount figures.

2. Sustainability Goals: UMG is striving to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 58% by 2032 from a 2019 base year. The company also is striving to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions by 62% within the same timeframe.

3. Key Names to Know: Leaders involved the new Global Impact Team include:

• Susan Mazo, UMG’s EVP of social responsibility, events and special projects, has been promoted to EVP, chief impact officer. 
• GreenBiz Group veteran Dylan Siegler has been appointed as SVP, head of sustainability.
• Menna Demessie, SVP and executive director, will also serve as a member of the global impact team leadership.
• Markie Ruzzo, promoted to VP of global impact, will join the team’s leadership.
• Sharlotte Ritchie becomes senior director, global impact & communications.

4. Key Partnership: Inside Projects, a strategy and marketing agency that specializes in social impact, will "make UMG its exclusive partner within the music industry, advising the Global Impact Team and the company across communications, public policy, artist and shareholder relations," the announcement said. Inside Projects is led by Kristin Jones and Arielle Vavasseur.

5. Executive Perspectives: In a prepared statement, UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge said: “The formation of the Global Impact Team reflects our commitment not only to accelerating our work in these critical areas but to do so in a way that leverages the experience and talent of these exceptional individuals to drive positive impact across our company, our industry and in the communities in which we serve. With this new structure we are ensuring that these functions are not siloed, but rather positioned to meaningfully influence all aspects of our global strategy.”

Mazo added: “I’m honored to take on this new role and work alongside such an incredible team who have all been leaders in their respective fields. Through our work we’ve demonstrated that sustainability, community engagement and corporate social impact go hand-in-hand with delivering positive results for our employees, artists and shareholders. With this next evolution of our team and structure, and with Sir Lucian’s constant encouragement and focus, I’m excited to create and implement a new approach that unites all of the efforts in a way that will amplify UMG’s global impact and brand resonance given our unique position to enact positive change."

Universal Music Group Sustainability Strategy: Why Technology Partners Should Care

By 2027, 25% of Global 2000 companies will have assigned a chief sustainability officer (CSO) responsible for meeting their organization’s ESG goals and making ESG-related IT purchasing decisions, according to IDC.

The bottom line: Technology partners need to extend their sales, marketing, engagement and support strategies to successfully fulfill those CSO customer needs, Sustainable Tech Partner believes.