Joakim Johansson promoted to President, Nordics at Universal Music Central Europe

Universal Music Group has announced that Joakim Johansson has been promoted to President, Nordics at Universal Music Central Europe.

Johansson will continue in his role as Managing Director of Universal Music Sweden, but will now also take responsibility for UMG’s operations in Denmark, Finland, Norway and the Baltic states, UMG said in a statement on Thursday (June 27).

He will continue to report to Frank Briegmann, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon.

Reporting directly to Johansson will be Casper Bengtson, MD of Universal Music Denmark; Kimmo Valtanen, MD of Universal Music Finland; and Bjørn Rogstad, MD of Universal Music Norway.

UMG said the appointment is part of Briegmann’s strategy to strengthen creative cooperation between UMG’s Northern European divisions, and beyond.

“The Nordic countries boast a rich musical heritage and are at the forefront of industry innovation.”

Joakim Johansson, Universal Music Central Europe

Johansson joined UMG as General Manager of Universal Music Sweden in 2013, and was upped to the role of Managing Director six years later.

In his time at UMG, he has “led the company to reclaim its position as a market leader in Sweden, achieving remarkable success both domestically and internationally with artists like Avicii, Tove Lo, Loreen and the highly-acclaimed ABBA Voyage release, among many others,” UMG said.

“I am honored and incredibly excited to step into the role of President for the Nordic Region, a powerhouse of musical innovation and creativity,” Johansson said in a statement.

“The Nordic countries boast a rich musical heritage and are at the forefront of industry innovation. It’s an honor to lead our talented team in this vibrant region, and I look forward to driving our vision into the future. I would like to thank Frank Briegmann for this incredible opportunity, I look forward to work closely with him on his journey to shape the future of music and forge a lasting legacy of success in the region.”

Briegmann added: “In the last couple of years, Joakim and his team has built impressive charts records with newcomers and global superstars in Sweden and have worked with great passion to grow the success of our artists internationally. I am very much looking forward collaborating with Joakim and his leadership team on further developing the most outstanding talents within the region.”

“In the last couple of years, Joakim and his team has built impressive charts records with newcomers and global superstars in Sweden and have worked with great passion to grow the success of our artists internationally.”

Frank Briegmann, Universal Music Central Europe

Johansson’s promotion comes after several other high-profile appointments at Universal’s international divisions over the past year, including Alfredo Delgadillo’s appointment as President and CEO of Universal Music Mexico.

Also in the past year, UMG named Timothy Xu Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, and Gary Chan Managing Director of Universal Music Hong Kong, while William Hsieh was named Managing Director of Universal Music Taiwan.

Earlier this month, UMG appointed Sanujeet Bhujabal to the role of Managing Director, Universal Music India.Music Business Worldwide