Rebecca Allen promoted to Chief Artist and Strategy Officer at Universal Music Group UK

12 December 2025 - Press release

 ALLEN TAKES ON BRAND NEW LEADERSHIP ROLE FOLLOWING SUCCESS AT THE HELM OF EMI, DECCA, AND UMG UK’S AUDIENCE, MEDIA & STRATEGY DIVISION

 

Universal Music Group UK (UMG UK), the UK’s leading music company, has today announced the promotion of Rebecca Allen to the newly-formed role of Chief Artist and Strategy Officer.

In this first-of-its-kind leadership role, Allen will support UMG UK's market-leading labels (Island-EMI Label Group, Polydor Label Group – including Polydor, Capitol UK and 0207 Def Jam – Decca, Fontana and Universal Music Recordings) in helping artists navigate every step of their journey within the company, from new signings to established acts, to build long-term success. She will be pivotal in connecting different teams to ensure artists benefit from the unique breadth and scope of opportunities at UMG.

Dickon Stainer, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group UK and Ireland, says, "Becky is an exceptional executive whose experience across many different parts of the company gives her unique insight into the artist journey. This new role will empower her to ensure that every part of UMG is harnessed and activated for the benefit of the artist.” 

Rebecca Allen, adds, “Stepping into this role means a great deal to me. Supporting artists and helping them realise their ambitions has driven me throughout my career, and it’s something I care about deeply. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many inspiring artists, managers and colleagues, and I’m excited to deepen those relationships as we continue building a creative, collaborative and artist-first environment at UMG UK.”

In her new role, Allen will continue to lead the Audience, Media & Strategy (AMS) and Artist Relations teams. She will also work alongside the UK’s industry-leading International Marketing and Globe creative teams, together with US and affiliate partners, to support artists, managers and entrepreneurs in the ever-evolving global marketplace, andencourage broader outreach within education and culture.

Over her 25-year career, Rebecca Allen has played an instrumental role in creating long-standing relationships with the artist and management community, and has worked with a wide range of artists from Elton John and Andrea Bocelli to Loyle Carner and Olivia Dean. She has held leadership roles at EMI, Decca and most recently UMG UK’s innovative AMS division. She has also played significant roles across the wider music industry, including chairing the 2018 Classic BRIT Awards and co-chairing the BAFTA-nominated 2021 BRIT Awards – the only executive to manage both.

Allen joined Universal Music in 1999 as a press assistant, progressing to Director of Media at Decca, and later Managing Director and then President – becoming the first woman to lead the label in its 90-year distinguished history. In 2020, Allen became President of EMI Records (later joined by Jo Charrington as Co-President in 2022), where she jointly led the label to unprecedented success with artists including Taylor Swift, Elton John, Olivia Dean, Loyle Carner, Take That and Chase & Status. During her time at EMI, the label won Music Week’s prestigious Label of the Year for two consecutive years and it was the No.1 label in the UK. She took the helm of AMS in 2024, including the Artist Relations team in 2025. AMS is the largest team within UMG UK and, under Allen’s leadership, it has reshaped how the company develops and delivers audience-led artist strategy – bringing together specialist teams across digital, media, data, insight, and audience development.

Beyond her work at UMG UK, Rebecca Allen is also a Trustee of the BRIT School, she was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Trinity Laban Conservatoire in 2023, and she has an Honorary Doctorate from Buckinghamshire New University. She was also Businesswoman of the Year at the 2017 Women in Music Awards. As a widely respected executive leader, Allen has been recognised as an inspiring role model for women across the industry, helping open doors for the next generation of creative and executive talent.