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UMG U.K. TAPS MAVERICK MAN AS EVP, INTERNATIONAL

Principle/Maverick Management MD Brian Celler has joined Universal Music U.K. in the newly created role of EVP, Head of International. Celler will work alongside UMG’s companies in more than 60 countries, helping to break U.K.-signed talent worldwide and leveraging the label's global reach.

Celler started his music industry career in the live business, travelling the world in the production teams of Aerosmith, AC/DC and Metallica. From 1993 to 1997, he was an artist manager with Q Prime, after which he spent nine years in artist development and international marketing roles at Sony Music, latterly as Head of International Marketing, based in New York.

During more than 20 years in international marketing and artist management, Celler is best known for his work with Island-signed band U2. He joined Principle/Maverick Management as MD in 2009 and for seven years was immersed in all aspects of the band’s management operations, including touring, recording and marketing, working closely with Island parent label UMG.

In his new role, Celler reports to UMG U.K. Chairman and CEO David Joseph, who said: “We have got to know Brian well during his time with U2 and he is an impressive marketeer and strategic thinker. He is also a passionate advocate of new talent.

“Brian is already respected by our labels and media around the world and there are few people working in music today with such an encyclopedic knowledge of our global market, both from an artist and label perspective.”

Celler takes the helm of Universal Music U.K.’s international team as they continue to roll out successful global campaigns for Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, Mumford & Sons, 5 Seconds of Summer, Florence + the Machine, Lana Del Rey and Years & Years. He said: "I've had the honour to work with some of the pioneers in all aspects of music throughout my career, and feel an incredible sense of pride to be joining David's U.K. team, who I know first-hand are uniquely suited to confront the challenges facing everyone who places both personal and intrinsic value in music, especially new artists trying to get their start.”