Multiple Layoffs at Universal Music Group, as $270M Cost-Cutting Program Continues

Universal Music Undergoes Shake Up With Def Jam, Republic Top Execs Among Departures

Universal Music Group is undergoing layoffs this week that sees top execs from Def Jam, Republic Records and Polydor stepping down.

Universal Music Shakeup: Def Jam, Polydor, Interscope Execs to Exit as Company Completes 2024 Restructure Plan

Def Jam chairman/CEO Tunji Balogun, Polydor president Ben Mortimer and Interscope head of pop/rock A&R Sam Riback are among those leaving the company.

Multiple layoffs at Universal Music Group, as $270M cost-cutting program continues

Execs such as Tunji Balogun, Ben Mortimer, Nicole Wyskoarko, and Sam Riback are leaving UMG Source

Universal Music Group Hit With Layoffs, Several Senior Execs to Leave Company

As has long been expected, Universal Music Group is being hit with extensive layoffs across its U.S. and U.K. operations, with multiple top executives departing, among many others. The moves, which are expected to take place across Wednesday and Thursday this week, were preceded by around 200 layoffs at the company’s Canadian operation late last month, and 27-year UMG veteran Rebecca Allen’s announcement on Tuesday that she is stepping down as…

Def Jam CEO Tunji Balogun to Exit as Universal Music Group Continues $270 Million Cost-Cutting Program - World Music Views

Tunji Balogun, Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, is set to leave Universal Music Group (UMG) by the end of 2026 as the world’s largest music company continues a sweeping restructuring aimed at reducing annual expenses by approximately $270 million. Balogun’s departure is part of a wider round of executive exits and layoffs across Universal Music Group’s operations in the United States, United Kingdom and other international markets, accord…