As CEO of Universal Music Netherlands, van de Berkt will oversee all recorded music operations in the Dutch market.
Tony van de Berkt brings more than 25 years of experience to the new role.
He began his career in 1999 at BMG International Publishing in London before serving as A&R Manager at EMIMusicNetherlands from 2003 to 2006.
In 2006, he founded 8ball Music, which UMG noted “grew into one of the most successful independent music companies in the Netherlands.”
With its two labels – the pop-focused 8ballMusic and the Dutch-language label Dino Music – the company successfully signed and developed artists including Davina Michelle, Maan, Miss Montreal, Flemming, DI-RECT, as well as Yves Berendse, Donnie, André Hazes Jr., and Sven Versteeg.
UMG added that, beyond recorded music, van de Berkt built a “diversified entertainment business model with deep expertise in live entertainment and event creation”.
The company developed and produced live concepts such as Beste Zangers Live, MuziekfeestvanhetJaar, GeefMijMaarAmsterdam, and Dikste Café aan de Haven.
In addition, its management division offered “comprehensive” artist services, including commercial brand partnerships.
Peter Rigaud
“Tony has that rare combination of entrepreneurial instinct, A&R vision, and strategic leadership.”
Frank Briegmann, Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon
Frank Briegmann, Chairman & CEO Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon: “Tony has that rare combination of entrepreneurial instinct, A&R vision, and strategic leadership.”
Added Briegmann: “As the founder of local label 8ball, he proved his ability to align creative excellence with commercial performance, while he developed artists, brands, and live concepts with long-term impact.
“I am confident that under his leadership, Universal Music Netherlands will further strengthen its position as a groundbreaking force within our global network.”
“I’m honored to have been asked by Frank Briegmann to step into the shoes of my good friend Kees van de Hoeven and succeed him as CEO of this great company.”
Tony van de Berkt, Universal Music Netherlands
Tony van de Berkt, CEO Universal Music Netherlands: “I’m honored to have been asked by Frank Briegmann to step into the shoes of my good friend Kees van de Hoeven and succeed him as CEO of this great company.
“From the first moment I walked into the UMG office in Hilversum, I have been impressed with the skills and mentality of the people working on a wide range of artists and projects. Both our local and international rosters already include so many extraordinary artists, so I’m looking forward to working with our talented team to take everything to the next level.”
