Abbey Road Studios has a new managing director.
Universal Music UK has appointed Sally Davies as chief executive of the iconic London-based recording studio.
Reporting to Universal Music UK COO David Sharpe, Davies joins Abbey Road from Vivendi Village where she was CEO of U-Live, the Vivendi Group’s promoter, producer and live entertainment company.
In this role, Davies oversaw Vivendi’s investments in live entertainment.
Davies’ 10-year tenure at U-Live – which included the company’s three years with Universal Music UK – saw her curate events across music, lifestyle and culture , with its festival portfolio including Love Supreme and kite festival.
Universal Music UK says Davies has “also had a foothold in immersive theatre” since 2019 as producer of Mamma Mia the Party! alongside Björn Ulvaeus.
Before joining U-Live in 2012, Davies spent seven years at AEG as Deputy General Manager/Events Director of The O2.
She has also held senior positions at two of London’s tourist attractions, the London Eye and the Science Museum.
Universal Music UK notes that in recent years Abbey Road, part of Universal Music’s global studio network alongside other locations such as Capitol Studios in California, “has seen significant investment” since the acquisition of EMI by UMG in 2012.
Abbey Road also runs initiatives such as Equalise, which it says “aims to inspire and empower young women aspiring to a career in music”, and music technology incubator Abbey Road Red.
Davies succeeds Isabel Garvey as managing director of Abbey Road. Garvey was appointed chief operating officer at Warner Music UK in March.
“Sally’s wealth of experience dealing with artists around the world, coupled with her empathy and knowledge of music, is a perfect fit for Abbey Road.”
Gilles Martin
Giles Martin said: “Sally’s wealth of experience in dealing with artists around the world, coupled with her empathy and knowledge of music, is a perfect fit for Abbey Road.
“She has a passion for innovation and understands the extraordinary legacy of the world’s most famous recording studio. I am more than delighted to work alongside him to bring the next generation of artists to Abbey Road Studios.
“Sally balances creativity and business strategy exceptionally well and I couldn’t be happier to welcome her back to the Universal Music family.”
David Joseph, Universal Music UK
David Joseph, President and CEO of Universal Music UK, added: “I have known Sally for a long time so it was an easy decision to appoint her to one of the most important leadership roles in our industry, at the forefront of world-class recordings. , strong innovation and creative education.
“Sally balances creativity and business strategy exceptionally well and I couldn’t be happier to welcome her back to the Universal Music family.”
“It is truly an honor and a privilege to take on the role of Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios, a place of great music and groundbreaking sound.”
Sally Davies
Sally Davies, Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios, said: “It is truly an honor and a privilege to take on the role of Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios, a place of great music and groundbreaking sound.
“I am delighted to be on this journey with the fantastic team who have fostered the environment of creativity and innovation, and who have helped to make Abbey Road the special place it is.”
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