Universal Music Group Begins Major Layoffs Across U.S. and U.K. Operations

Universal Music Group launched extensive layoffs across its U.S. and U.K. operations on Wednesday and Thursday this week, with multiple senior executives departing, according to sources who spoke with Variety.

The cuts continue a restructuring process announced in January 2024 and scheduled to run through this year. Around 200 employees at UMG's Canadian operation lost their jobs in late June. On Tuesday, Rebecca Allen, a 27-year UMG veteran promoted to Chief Artist and Strategy Officer only in December, announced she is stepping down.

The move stands out in an industry that has preferred incremental trimming. All three major music companies have cut staff repeatedly over the past several years, usually in small steps, but UMG's current reduction is a major one — with Warner Music having eliminated a large percentage of its staff and Sony also conducting layoffs in recent years.

Who is leaving?

Sources tell Variety the departing executives include:

• Tunji Balogun, Chairman-CEO of Def Jam Records, who will remain through the end of the year to assist with the transition
• Sam Riback and Nicole Wyskoarko, both Interscope Records executives
• Jim Roppo, Chairman and Co-CEO of Republic Records, who is said to be leaving to join Warner Records in a capacity filling the void left when COO Tom Corson was elevated to COO of parent company Warner Music Group — a move neither company has confirmed

Who is moving up?

At Republic Records, Jeffrey Remedios, President & CEO of Republic Collective, and Tyler Arnold, Chairman & CEO of Mercury Records, will take on new leadership roles, with details to be announced later. Island Records co-CEOs Imran Majid and Justin Eshak will take on greater roles at UMG's East Coast labels.

At Interscope-Geffen-A&M, label president Michelle An, EVP of Urban Marketing Laura Carter and EVP of Digital Marketing Ramon Alvarez-Smikle will assume broader leadership roles at the label in the coming weeks.

In the U.K., Ben Mortimer is stepping down as President of Polydor Label Group, with Jodie Cammidge acting as interim chief. Nickie Owen takes on an expanded role as President of Global Marketing. Hannah Neaves, president of UMRecordings U.K., moves to a consultancy role, with Sarah Boorman taking on a new leadership position. In Ireland, Mark Crossingham steps down as Managing Director and will be succeeded by Nick Younger.

What is UMG saying?

A UMG spokesperson framed the layoffs as part of a longer-term strategy: "Our consistent success has been built on our ability to anticipate industry changes, act early to better serve all our artists and songwriters, and capture opportunities in music's fastest-growing areas. Our industry-leading investment in artist development has always guided that work and will continue to do so. We're bringing in new skills and technology and connecting expertise across our teams to deliver greater global impact and greater efficiency. Where we have made the difficult decision to remove certain roles, we are deeply grateful for the contributions of the people leaving us."

Do the numbers explain the cuts?

Not directly. UMG's balance sheet was solid for the first half of 2026, with revenue growing to nearly $7.2 billion — up 5.3% from the prior year's first half, roughly $360 million in additional revenue. But the company absorbed costs related to consolidating its $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music and other factors.

The broader context matters more. The streaming boom that began in the mid-2010s and was extended by the pandemic has leveled off, and audience attention continues shifting from traditional outlets like terrestrial radio to social media and other digital platforms.

More details are expected to become clear in the coming days.