MUMBAI: With an aim to strengthen its global management team after the acquisition of EMI Music, Universal Music has promoted its COO Max Hole as chairman and CEO of its global operations outside US. The announcement was made today by group CEO and chairman Lucian Grainge.

In his new role, Hole will be responsible for additional key markets including UK and will also be responsible for Universal's classical music business, including Deutsche Grammophon and Decca Classics. He will be based in London where he sits on the company’s board and will report to Grainge.

In a statement, Grainge said, “We are strengthening our global management team following the important acquisition of EMI Recorded Music. Hole has contributed significantly to the evolution and continued success of our international business. There is no one better to lead our efforts outside the US, where we anticipate significant growth opportunities with the addition of EMI to our existing international portfolio. Hole will play an integral role overseeing our future global development.”

Commenting on his new role, Hole said, “The future for the music industry is looking brighter than it has for some time, and there is no shortage of energy, innovation and creativity in Universal's companies around the world. I'm looking forward to working with new colleagues and artists from EMI and integrating our two great companies successfully.”

Hole has been instrumental in attracting stars including Taylor Swift, Queen and The Eagles to UMG and was also responsible for striking a deal with ‘The Voice’ TV format.

He joined the company as senior VP, marketing and A&R in 1998. After becoming executive VP in 2004, he was promoted to the post of COO of UMG International. He has also worked with artists like Taylor Swift, Gotye, Enrique Iglesias, Bon Jovi, Lionel Richie, Sa Ding Ding and others.