Virgin Music Label & Artist Services of Universal Music expands its operations in the Western Balkans region as a new independent division.

As part of this expansion, Nikola Jovanovic has been hired as Vice President of Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, Western Balkans and Head of Society Relations, Universal Music Western Balkans, effective January 1, 2022.

Nikola Jovanovic is currently vice-president of Runda, the regional association of independent discographers of the Balkans.

He is also the founder of Kontra Rights, an artist and label management and services agency specializing in the protection of publishing and neighboring rights, artist management and musical public relations.

He is also executive director of the estate of Milan Mladenović.

Located in Belgrade, Universal claims that Virgin Music Label & Artists Services, Western Balkans will support talent from across the region.

The expansion in the region follows the launch of Virgin Music in July 2021 in Serbia and its strategic partnership with the Balkaton label.

UMG also launched Virgin Music Label & Artist Services in Brazil in July.

Universal Music Group launched Virgin Music Label & Artist Services in February 2021 as a new global division serving independent artists and labels who, according to UMG, are “inspired and influenced by the spirit and philosophy of the iconic label. Virgin Records ”.

The move saw the US-based Caroline – formerly the independent services division of Capitol Music Group, owned by UMG – as well as Caroline’s UK, France and Germany operations rebranded as Virgin Music Label & Artist Services.

“I am delighted to welcome Nikola to our team and I know he will lead this new regional division to massive success.”

Fabian Stilke, Universal Music

During the announcement, Fabian Stilke, General Manager of Universal Music for the Western Balkans, said: “Nikola is part of a new era of Balkan music executives, which has driven change within the industry. music in the region, it brings a deep understanding and respect for the regional creative scene and artists.

“His experience, dedication and ethics fit perfectly with the spirit and philosophy of Virgin Records.

“I am delighted to welcome Nikola to our team and I know he will lead this new regional division to massive success.”

“It is an honor to join Universal Music and be a part of Virgin Music, its rich culture and heritage.”

Nikola Jovanovic

Nikola Jovanovic added, “It is an honor to join Universal Music and be a part of Virgin Music, its rich culture and heritage.

“I have worked with independent artists and labels from this region for many years, constantly striving to make the necessary changes to the regional music industry, in order to allow young talents and entrepreneurs to live off their creativity and their art.

“I am very grateful for the trust the company places in me, which gives me the opportunity to continue on this path as Vice President of Virgin Music Label & Artist Services in the Western Balkans.

“To be able to provide the next generation of independent artists and labels in this region with UMG’s cutting edge regional and international networks, technology and expertise to help them reach new audiences and enable them to be successful. long-term in the region and abroad is exciting. . “Music trade around the world