Universal has been making a lot of noise in the Web3 space this year.
The company’s Web3 imprint 10:22PM, for example, launched a virtual world for its Bored Ape NFT band KINGSHIP, filed trademark applications for KINGSHIP in the US, and expanded the NFT brand into the confectionery business through through an agreement with M&Ms.
Now, Universal Music Group’s digital strategy team has created two new roles to further develop initiatives in the Web3 space and the metaverse. This will include developing initiatives with accelerators, startups and early-stage companies, says UMG.
Álvaro Galbete-Velilla, former Director of Business Development at SoundCloud, has been appointed, effective immediately, to the role of Senior Vice President of New Business at UMG.
UMG says it will work closely with core departments and key partners to develop “significant opportunities” in the Web3 and Metaverse sectors, as well as other emerging areas of digital business development.
In addition, Kristen Bender, who according to UMG “plays a key role in implementing digital business partnerships with UMG’s operating units,” has been elevated to senior vice president, digital innovation strategy and business development.
Both Galbete-Velilla and Bender are based in Santa Monica and report to Michael Nash, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer.
Galbete-Velilla has held leadership positions in the music and technology space for over 20 years. At SoundCloud, he served as Director of Business Development, where he oversaw partner relations, deals, and product integrations.
Earlier in his career, Galbete-Velilla co-founded Pulselocker, a DJ-oriented streaming platform, and as CEO and CPO signed license agreements with major and independent labels. His experience also includes roles at Om Entertainment Group and Pacha Group.
Galbete-Velilla has also previously founded several independent record labels.
Meanwhile, Bender has been working in music and technology with a focus on creative and commercial digital initiatives since 2003.
She joined UMG’s digital strategy team in 2019 as SVP of Business Development and Strategy, where she has been responsible for maximizing partnership opportunities in the social media space and leading the implementation of digital businesses with the label groups of umg.
Prior to that role, Bender served as head of digital marketing for UMe, UMG’s global catalog division.
Prior to joining UMG, he held a leadership role at Sonos, Inc. as a senior music product manager, overseeing strategic partnerships for music products and content services.
She began her career at Warner Music Group with the digital sales team and was hired to establish the global digital sales and marketing team at Alternative Distribution Alliance in 2004.
Today’s news marks the latest Web3 recruitment move from UMG.
Earlier this year, the company hired Richard Cusick as Chief Product Officer, Global E-Commerce, tasked with creating a product team tasked with translating UMG’s business goals into what it calls “innovative products and experiences through E-Commerce.” , Web3.0 and direct artists”. and fan-focused initiatives.”
“We believe that our leadership in innovation is a key factor that puts us at the forefront of transforming the music industry, so we are excited to have Alvaro and Kristen fill these key roles.”
Michael Nash
Making the announcement, Nash said: “We believe our leadership in innovation is a key factor that puts us at the forefront of transforming the music industry, so we are excited to have Alvaro and Kristen fill these key roles.
“Here at UMG, we are building a team more focused than ever on leveraging digital disruption to deliver new opportunities for our artists and record labels, while influencing the shaping of the next generation of music services.”
“I am incredibly excited to join one of the most talented teams in the industry to further Universal Music Group’s mission of artistry and innovation.”
Galbete-Velilla
Galbete-Velilla said: “Thanks to accelerating technological development, a new generation of artists and fans is creating and discovering music in ways in which the spatial and social dimensions play a much more critical role than ever before.
“These new platforms, immersive experiences, models and creator economies represent the next frontier for music and I am incredibly excited to join one of the most talented teams in the industry to build on Universal Music Group’s mission of art and music. innovation”.
“I look forward to fostering the development of innovative creative and business opportunities of the future for our artists, record labels and music fans around the world.”
kristen bender
Bender said: “Most of the biggest partners in the music industry today started out as an idea fueled by a lot of passion.
“I am delighted to take on this new role to help guide the next generation of entrepreneurs and startups at the intersection of music and technology, and I look forward to fostering the development of innovative creative and business opportunities of the future for our artists. record labels and music fans from around the world.”Music business around the world
