Guillermo Ramos has been appointed General Manager of the newly launched Virgin Music Label & Artist Services UK.
The news was announced today (March 11) by Vanessa Higgins, MD, Virgin Music Label & Artist Services UK.
Universal Music Group launched Virgin Music Label & Artist Services last month as a new global division serving independent artists and labels that UMG says is “inspired and influenced by the spirit and ethos of the iconic Virgin Records label”.
The move has seen US-based Caroline – the independent services division of UMG-owned Capitol Music Group – as well as Caroline operations in the UK, France and Germany renamed as Virgin Music Label & Artist Services.
Ramos will work closely with Colin Batsa of EGA, Higgins and the rest of Virgin Music’s senior UK team.
Batsa has played an important role in the recent growth of what is now Virgin Music UK, bringing in artists and labels such as D-Block Europe, Aitch, Digga D, Rema, Midas The Jagaban, Bugzy Malone, NQ, Mixtape Madness, Faceless and ABX.
Ramos joins from Island Records UK where he spent 10 years, most recently as the label’s VP Marketing.
During his time at Island, Ramos oversaw successful campaigns for numerous British breakthrough acts including Ben Howard, Dermot Kennedy, Disclosure, Mumford & Sons, Hozier and Sports Team.
He has also led chart-topping UK campaigns for the likes of Ariana Grande, The Weeknd and Post Malone.
He started his career at independent PR company Anorak London.
“He is an exceptionally strategic executive, with a real flair for creativity and wonderful personal skills, which I know will mean he will fit right in with the warm and highly driven team we are extremely lucky to have at Virgin Music UK.”
Vanessa Higgins
Vanessa Higgins said: “I am thrilled that Guillermo is joining Virgin Music as General Manager.
“He brings with him not only a wealth of experience from his time at Island, but also an earlier background in the independent music scene, making him ideally placed to achieve our joined vision to elevate the careers of independent artists, labels and entrepreneurs to new heights.
“He is an exceptionally strategic executive, with a real flair for creativity and wonderful personal skills, which I know will mean he will fit right in with the warm and highly driven team we are extremely lucky to have at Virgin Music UK.”
“I am tremendously excited to be joining Vanessa and the rest of the team at Virgin Music as we usher in the next chapter of this industry-leading label and artist services company.”
Guillermo Ramos
Guillermo Ramos added: “I am tremendously excited to be joining Vanessa and the rest of the team at Virgin Music as we usher in the next chapter of this industry-leading label and artist services company.
“We will continue to be on the forefront of culture, redefining the rulebook for our artists, and continuing to disrupt and innovate.
“What better way to encourage and nurture true musical entrepreneurialism than to work with the most exciting new and established talent in this way.”Music Business Worldwide