Universal Music U.K. Promotes Rebecca Allen to Chief Artist and Strategy Officer

Universal Music U.K. announced on Thursday (Dec. 11) that Rebecca Allen has been promoted to the newly-formed role of chief artist and strategy officer.

The new role, based in UMG U.K.’s London headquarters, will see Allen support the artist roster across a number of the group’s labels – including Island-EMI Label Group, Polydor Label Group, Decca, Fontana and Universal Music Recordings – during their journey through the company. Allen’s role will see work with both established artists and new signings.

Allen’s most recent role was as president of Audience, Media & Strategy (AMS) and Artist Relations teams which she will continue to lead.

She joined UMG U.K. in 1999 as a press assistant, eventually becoming the first woman to lead Decca Records in its 90-year history. In 2020, Allen was named president of EMI Records (later sharing the role with Jo Charrington as co-President in 2022), where she jointly led the label to success with artists including Taylor Swift, Elton John, Olivia Dean, Loyle Carner, Take That and Chase & Status. In 2024, she took the helm of the AMS in 2024, and the Artist Relations team in 2025. In 2018, Allen chaired the Classic BRIT Awards and three years later co-chaired the BAFTA-nominated 2021 BRIT Awards.

Dickon Stainer, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group U.K. and Ireland, says, “Becky is an exceptional executive whose experience across many different parts of the company gives her unique insight into the artist journey. This new role will empower her to ensure that every part of UMG is harnessed and activated for the benefit of the artist.”

Allen, adds, “Stepping into this role means a great deal to me. Supporting artists and helping them realise their ambitions has driven me throughout my career, and it’s something I care about deeply. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many inspiring artists, managers and colleagues, and I’m excited to deepen those relationships as we continue building a creative, collaborative and artist-first environment at UMG UK.”