Universal Music Group Chairman Sir Lucian Grainge To Be Honoured At 2017 Cannes Lions Festival
Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge is set to be honoured as Media Person Of The Year at the annual Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity in June 2017.
Sir Lucian will be the first music executive to receive the award, which “recognises innovators who have shaped the future of media”, and was first handed out in 1999. Grainge is due to receive the award at a ceremony on 21 June 2017.
Philip Thomas, CEO of Ascential Events, the organisers behind Cannes Lions, said, “Through creative drive, passion and outstanding leadership, Sir Lucian has made bold investments in music and technology that helped return the industry to growth, while continuing to foster an environment that puts artists first. During his tenure, Grainge has transformed Universal Music Group into a world leader in music-based entertainment and we’re delighted to honour him as this year’s media person of the year.”
Grainge, who was a leader in UMG’s acquisition of EMI’s recorded music assets and the revitalisation of Capitol Records, also serves on the Lionsgate Entertainment Corp and North-eastern University boards. In 2016, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for accomplishments and leadership in the music business, as well as contributions to British business and inward investment. He has worked with a range of major artists throughout his four-decade career including Elton John, Jay Z, Rihanna, The Rolling Stones, U2 and Justin Bieber.
“While today’s music industry is virtually unrecognisable from the business I started in, one thing that hasn’t changed is that great artists and great music remain at the heart of everything we do,” said Grainge. “We are proud to demonstrate how traditional media businesses can work closely with brand partners to develop exciting opportunities for artists, labels and fans. On behalf of everyone at UMG and all of our recordings artists and songwriters, we’re very thankful to Cannes Lions for this honour.”
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