George Ash Appointed President, Universal Music Asia Pacific
George Ash has been appointed President, Universal Music Asia Pacific, it was announced today by Max Hole, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group International.
Previously Universal Music’s President of Australasia, in his new role Ash will add responsibility for all of UMG’s operations in the Asia Pacific region excluding Japan.
Ash was appointed President of Universal Music Australasia in 2010 having previously served as Managing Director of Universal Music Australia since 2001. During this time the company has doubled its market share and garnered record breaking awards from ARIA (the Australian Recording Industry Association) as well as US Grammys with Wolfmother and Gotye.
Universal Music Australia has enjoyed great success over the last decade with domestic artists including Powderfinger, Wolfmother, Hilltop Hoods, Havana Brown, Megan Washington, Sarah Blasko, Tame Impala, The Presets, Gin Wigmore, Missy Higgins, The McClymonts, Boy & Bear and Matt Corby. In addition, Ash and his team have been closely involved with the success of a multitude of international stars including Taylor Swift, Mumford and Sons, Lady GaGa, Of Monsters and Men, Black Eyed Peas, Andre Rieu, Rihanna, Jack Johnson, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Florence and the Machine, Frank Ocean, LMFAO and many more.
Max Hole said: “In Australia and New Zealand George has built one of our most dynamic international operations with a very strong roster of artists and an immensely talented team of people. I’m very pleased that he will now be applying his energy and ideas to our business across the Asia Pacific region.”
George Ash said: “I have been lucky enough to work alongside the best in the industry in Australia and New Zealand. With Max now giving me this great opportunity and with our diverse and exceptional artists I’m very positive about Asia Pacific’s unprecedented growth potential and what we can achieve together.”
Originally from New Zealand, Ash’s passion for the music industry began as a performing musician when he was a teenager. He then held a variety of roles, including in retail and with PolyGram and BMG, where he focused on A&R. In 1995 he set up Universal Music New Zealand, where his signings included the internationally successful Hayley Westenra, before relocating to Australia with Universal Music in 2001. He is the Chairman of the PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Ltd) and a member of the board of ARIA.
Source: Universal Music Asia Pacific
