MUMBAI: The Indian operations of Universal Music Group (UMG) will now come under the supervision of UMG president Vico Antippas . Anitppas till now managed Nordic, Benelux, Central & Eastern Europe and from 1 July, he will be overseeing UMG operations in South Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and India Universal Music India managing director Rajat Kakar will now report to him as will South Africa/sub-Saharan Africa managing director Harry Voerman.
Making this announcement UMG International COO Max Hole (he himself has been elevated to COO from 1 July) said:, “During his 29 years with Universal Music, Vico has successfully served our businesses in charge of a range of established and developing European markets. He has strengthened our companies, appointing new management and delivering growth. I have no doubt he will succeed with his additional responsibilities.”
UMG president Vico Antippas has vast understanding of emerging markets and had earlier handled UMG operations in Russia – the market conditions of which are similar to India. Though exact plan of action is yet to be announced, Universal Music India managing director Rajat Kakar said, “With this appointment, India will get undivided attention in the Asian continent.”
Antippas commented, “These territories offer the as-yet unrealised potential to increase our music revenues as never before, thanks to the huge mobile take-up. India has 575 million mobile subscribers, growing at the rate of 15 million per month, while South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa have 275 million mobile network subscribers. They are all wide open to potential strategic marketing and content deals, and our company already has big plans for growth in this promising environment.”
Antippas joined Universal Music in 1983, and has headed operations in Greece, Austria, Switzerland and Germany. He was promoted to Senior VP, Central and Eastern Europe, in 2004, and has been President, Nordic, Benelux, Central and Eastern Europe for the past three years.