Universal Music Group is reorganizing its Nashville operations as part of a strategic move to capitalize on country music's growing global influence and evolution. Mike Harris has been appointed as CEO, while nine-time Grammy winner Dave Cobb takes on the role of Chief Creative Officer. Former Chair and CEO Cindy Mabe is departing to pursue other opportunities.

Mike Harris brings extensive industry experience, having served as COO and EVP of UMG Nashville since 2016, following a 15-year tenure at EMI in various executive positions.

UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge emphasized the company's commitment to expanding its Nashville presence, noting the worldwide success of their country artists and the genre's borderless appeal.

Dave Cobb, the newly appointed Chief Creative Officer, is one of Nashville's most sought-after producers, with credits including:

• Chris Stapleton's 6x-platinum "Traveller"
• Jason Isbell's "Southeastern"
• Brandi Carlile's "By the Way I Forgive You"

Cobb has also made significant contributions to film music, producing for notable projects such as:

• Baz Luhrmann's ELVIS
• The Hunger Games prequel
• A Star Is Born (2018)
• The upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic "Deliver Me From Nowhere"

This reorganization follows UMG's broader company restructuring from early last year and reinforces their position as the US leader in country music, a title they've held for the past decade.

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