Interscope Geffen A&M and Capitol Music Group are now officially consolidated under the ‘Interscope Capitol Labels Group’; Steve Berman and Annie Lee both promoted to new roles

Big news today (March 7) from Universal Music Group‘s frontline label groups in the world’s largest music market.

Interscope Geffen A&M and Capitol Music Group are now officially consolidated under the new name of Interscope Capitol Labels Group (ICLG).

ICLG is comprised of all artists, labels, and personnel within the companies formerly named Interscope Geffen A&M and Capitol Music Group.

Interscope Capitol Labels Group is headed up by Chairman & CEO, John Janick.

Initial details of the restructuring of Universal’s labels in the US were announced by UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge last month.

As reported then, under the new model, John Janick and Republic Records‘ Monte Lipman are increasing the number of labels under their command on the West Coast and East Coast, respectively.

In Los Angeles, Janick will provide support and leadership to Blue Note, Capitol, Geffen, Interscope, Motown, Priority and Verve as Chairman & CEO of what we now know is the consolidated  ‘Interscope Capitol Labels Group‘ company.

Meanwhile, in New York, Lipman will take responsibility for Def Jam, Island, Mercury and Republic.

Since that announcement, UMG has confirmed that a “re-designing” of its global organizational structure is underway, which it said will generate EUR €250 million (USD $270 million) in annual cost savings.

The newly-minted Interscope Capitol Labels Group announced today that Steve Berman and Annie Lee have been elevated to “primary positions” at the company.

Berman has been promoted to Vice Chairman and Lee to the role of Chief Operating Officer.

According to ICLG, in his new position, Berman oversees numerous areas within the company and works closely with all labels under the company’s umbrella “to build and enhance artists’ global profiles and the broader ICLG brand”.

Lee, said ICLG, is charged with “seamlessly integrating” Finance (along with the company’s Chief Financial Officer Geoff Harris), Operations and Culture, “while ensuring that ICLG runs efficiently and sustains a positive experience for its artists and teams”.

“Steve and Annie are both highly accomplished executives who have been critical to our company’s growth and success for more than two decades. They have worked closely with me in redesigning ICLG to benefit and enhance each individual label under our umbrella.”

John Janick

Berman steps up from his prior role as Vice Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M; Lee was most recently the Chief Financial Officer of Interscope Geffen A&M.

Said John Janick, in a statement issued on Thursday (March 7): “Steve and Annie are both highly accomplished executives who have been critical to our company’s growth and success for more than two decades.

“They have worked closely with me in redesigning ICLG to benefit and enhance each individual label under our umbrella and foster an entrepreneurial spirit that will set the standard for what a modern music company should be.

“I congratulate Steve and Annie on their well-deserved promotions, and look forward to sharing enormous success with them in the coming years.”

“Every aspect of our redesign will enable us to provide optimal support for our artists and their creativity, while securing the best and most innovative opportunities that will help expand their global brands.”

Steve Berman

Berman added: “Every aspect of our redesign will enable us to provide optimal support for our artists and their creativity, while securing the best and most innovative opportunities that will help expand their global brands.

“I’ve devoted nearly my entire career to this company and its artists, and I am excited to continue working with John, Annie and the entire ICLG team on this next phase of our journey.”

“We are well positioned for the future and I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Annie Lee

Lee said: “I am looking forward to working with John, Berm and our entire team as we continue to build ICLG into a modern music company that is both a powerful partner to artists and their teams and a fulfilling and creative environment in which to work.

“We are well positioned for the future and I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Today’s announcement arrived just a few days after the news that Arjun Pulijal is leaving his role as President of Capitol Music Group (CMG).

Pulijal’s exit follows the departure of Michelle Jubelirer, who stepped down from her role as Chair & CEO of Capitol Music Group at the beginning of last month.

Tom March was subsequently appointed Chairman & CEO of Capitol Music Group (CMG) on February 7. March reports to John Janick.

Billboard reported on Monday (March 4)  that Interscope Geffen A&M President of Promotion Brenda Romano is leaving the company, in addition to Interscope’s Executive VP/Head of Media Strategy and Communications Cara Donatto.

Senior VP of A&R Nick Groff and Def Jam Executive VP of Media and Brand Strategy Gabe Tesoriero are also departing, according to Billboard’s report, which said it has confirmed “almost 50 layoffs” across UMG’s labels.Music Business Worldwide