JUST IN: Dawn Gates Exits UMG, Launches Seven Note Enterprises

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Dawn Gates

Industry veteran and longtime Universal Music Group Nashville SVP of Digital Business & Creative Development Dawn Gates has exited her role after nearly 20 years with the company to launch Seven Note Enterprises, a consulting and management firm.

The move comes at a time of both personal and professional evolution for Gates, who recently welcomed twins with her wife, Harper Grae, adding to their family of five.

“After 19 transformative years with Universal Music Group, I’m stepping away to write the next chapters of my career,” said Gates. “I’m deeply grateful to UMG—especially Mike Dungan and Cindy Mabe—for the belief in my vision and the support in taking bold, often unconventional, risks. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most innovative and driven minds in music. However, the industry continues to shift and the way we develop artists, build stories, and connect with audiences is changing—and so am I. As I take some time to evaluate and determine my next long-term venture, I’m looking forward to the flexibility Seven Note provides, both with work and family.”

Gates has long been recognized as a trailblazer in digital business and creative development, having founded digital departments at three major labels and played a key role in building multiple divisions at UMG Nashville—including digital marketing, streaming, D2C, fan clubs and research & strategy.

Most recently at UMGN, she served as the primary liaison for global digital business, integration strategies and commercial growth while also overseeing the label’s content strategy, execution and syndication across marketing initiatives. In February 2024, she led the launch of Sing Me Back Home Productions, UMG Nashville’s production arm focused on film and TV projects. Known for harnessing emerging technologies to elevate campaigns, Gates has driven numerous groundbreaking collaborations over her 27-year career, helped grow the careers of hundreds of major label artists and paved the way for colleagues now in leadership roles across labels, distributors, management firms, DSPs and beyond.

Reach Gates at dawn@seven-note.com.

LB Cantrell
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