MUMBAI: Marc Cimino joins Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) as the COO of the company with immediate effect. The position is a newly created global position for Cimino. He will report to UMPG's chairman and CEO Jody Gerson.

At UMPG, he will focus on the company's global business strategy, including playing a key role in guiding public policy and business development.

Cimino said, “I am grateful and excited to be working for such a dynamic visionary like Jody and for Universal Music Publishing Group. I look forward to working with the entire team around the world, and with our labels and tech partners as we face a rapidly changing business environment with many new opportunities and challenges."

Commenting on the recent appointment, Gerson said, "At this time in our business, it's important we work with a global perspective and more closely with our record label partners.” Gerson believes that Cimino’s broad experience in recorded music will help bolster their organisation.

Before taking his present post, he held the position of EVP and head of business and legal affairs; and was also a member of the Warner Bros. Records (WBR) core executive team. He was with WBR for ten years. During the tenure he held various posts from VP to EVP, heading up the business and legal affairs and A&R administration departments. He contributed immensely in both traditional and new business initiatives of the company. Other responsibilities include company's government affairs initiatives and structuring and negotiation of agreements with the label's major recording artists. From 1998 to 2004, he was with Sony Music Entertainment.