Mike Harris Named UMG Nashville’s Chief Operating Officer

Mike Harris has joined UMG Nashville as Chief Operating Officer according to an announcement made Tuesday (April 19).

Harris will jointly report to UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan and President Cindy Mabe, as well as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Universal Music Group Boyd Muir.

Previously, Harris was Executive Vice President/General Manager for Caroline, a division of the Capitol Music Group. Under his guidance, Caroline had market share growth in each year culminating in the highest share in company history while delivering four No. 1 debuts for their partners in 2015 as well as four Grammys and six nominations.

“I have known, and worked with Mike Harris for more than fifteen years,” Dungan said. “He is a consummate professional, and the perfect fit for UMG Nashville and the Nashville music community. I am honored and proud to introduce him as our new COO.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the UMG Nashville team,” Harris said. “I have known Mike and Cindy for years and now have the honor to work with them and this incredible team every day overseeing one of the premiere rosters in all of music.”

Prior to joining Caroline in 2013, Harris was Executive Vice President/General Manager for EMI Label Services and Caroline Distribution for three years. Throughout his 15 years with EMI, Harris served in many roles including Executive Vice President/Finance Director, Global A&R Operations for EMI’s New Music division and Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer for various labels and divisions within EMI, including Capitol, Virgin and Blue Note.

Harris has worked with many artists throughout his career including Norah Jones, Katy Perry, Tyrese, Five Finger Death Punch, Slash, Smashing Pumpkins, Alter Bridge and Matt Nathanson. Before joining EMI, Harris worked at Sony’s Relativity Records.