This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Business News Industry People Labels & Publishers
Universal Publishing exec to head up Motown
By CMU Editorial | Published on Wednesday 27 July 2011
Everyone now seems certain that Ethiopia Habtemariam, who heads up urban music at Universal Music Publishing in the US, will take over as boss of the major’s Motown record company. According to Billboard she is currently negotiating terms with Universal about switching from publishing to recordings.
As previously reported, Sylvia Rhone stood down as Motown boss in May after the Motown Republic division of the major was given to newish exec Barry Weiss as one half of his new super-division, which encompasses both the Motown Rupublic and Island Def Jam operations. Although initially set to be given a brand new division to run at Universal, it now looks likely Rhone will follow her former boss Doug Morris to Sony Music.
Habtemariam’s role atop a streamlined Motown will be less expansive than the one Rhone fulfilled, and will be much more focused on A&R. Sources have told Billboard the new look Motown will have a modestly sized team of about twelve, tapping into back office and promotional resources within Island Def Jam when such things are required.
An announcement about the next stage in the development of Weiss’s new Universal super-division is expected pretty soon.
