Though nothing has been officially announced,
Variety is reporting that a wave of layoffs is underway at
UMG as part of its reorganization.
Variety's
Jem Aswad cites sources in saying that layoffs "reach into the high hundreds," with the West Coast bearing the majority of the impact due to larger staffs than those maintained in the East. The combination of large
Capitol and
Interscope staffs is resulting in the most numerous reductions, Aswad adds.
Aswad's sources also say that Interscope promo veterans
Brenda Romano and
Chris Lopes will exit, with their roles to be filled by Capitol promo head
Greg Marella.
As we reported earlier and as
Variety also points out, erstwhile
Def Jam promo exec
Natina Nimene is said to be stepping into the role of Urban promo head for all the East Coast labels.
Additionally, the piece says Interscope publicity head
Cara Donatto will be leaving and posits that her duties will likely be taken over by Capitol's
Ambrosia Healy. Def Jam PR chief
Gabe Tesoriero is also reported to be exiting, with Republic's
Joe Carozza believed to be taking on those responsibilities.
A great many junior employees are also being let go, the story asserts. UMG reps didn't respond to
Variety's requests for comment.
This is an incredibly tough day for the biz.
