UMG restructuring brings leadership exits across its labels
Billboard reports departures at Def Jam, Polydor and Interscope as the group enters the final phase of a three-part plan.
PENN 2 in Manhattan, where UMG announced a planned office move for 2027; this is not a photo of the reported restructuring. Ajay Suresh · CC BY 4.0 · Resized for display.
Universal Music Group has started what Billboard calls the final phase of a three-part restructuring announced in 2024. A staff notice went out October 14. Billboard reports that executives leaving their current roles include Def Jam chair and CEO Tunji Balogun, Polydor president Ben Mortimer, and Interscope Geffen A&M leaders Nicole Wyskoarko and Sam Riback.
Departures across the label group
Not every change is immediate. Billboard says Balogun is staying through the end of the year, while some departing executives will move into consultancy roles. The report also outlines expanded leadership assignments across Republic, Island and Interscope, with details on some roles still to come.
In a statement to Billboard, UMG said the changes respond to shifts in the music business and are intended to continue investment in artist development, connect teams and improve efficiency. The report does not give a total number of positions affected in this latest round.
