capitol music group

Tom March, who’s been tapped to serve as chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group. Photo Credit: Leo Cackett

Closer to February’s beginning, Universal Music Group (UMG) unveiled a major restructuring initiative centering on bolstered roles for Republic’s Monte Lipman and Interscope Geffen’s John Janick. Now, within this framework, the Big Three label has disclosed a pair of Capitol Music Group (CMG) executive appointments.

UMG revealed new information about the far-reaching structural pivot today, attributing the announcements to Janick in his expanded position. This position is specifically seeing the exec provide “unparalleled support” to Blue Note, Capitol Records, Geffen, Interscope, Motown, Priority, and Verve, according to UMG’s initial memo on the subject.

Meanwhile, for a bit of additional background, Universal Music in January confirmed plans to make reportedly significant layoffs. And yesterday, Capitol Music Group CEO Michelle Jubelirer announced her imminent exit from the company.

Taking her place at the helm of CMG is Tom March, who’s become chairman and CEO, Janick and UMG said today. The now-former Geffen president March has been tasked with handling “the overall management and direction of the company,” which, UMG reiterated, encompasses Capitol Records, Capitol Christian, Blue Note, Motown, Astralwerks, and Harvest.

“I’m thrilled to be charged with leading Capitol Music Group,” the former Polydor co-president March said in part. “The company’s deep legacy includes so many iconic artists and records that have long played important roles in my life, and the opportunity to help write CMG’s next chapter is a dream come true.”

Next, on the heels of “six years of major success” at Universal Music’s publishing unit, Lillia Parsa has been named co-president of CMG, where she’ll coordinate with March on “the company’s creative direction and future growth, including the pursuit and nurturing of partnerships with artist and executive entrepreneurs.”

“I’m excited to be working with Tom to write the next creative chapter for Capitol Music Group; to work with an array of artists that currently call CMG home, as well as those that will be joining us in the near future,” Parsa said in part. “I’m also looking forward to working alongside Arjun as co-president of a company with such an illustrious and ongoing legacy.”

Regarding the latter point, Arjun Pulijal, a Capitol vet of about 11 years who began as president in early 2022, is remaining aboard – albeit as co-president, continuing to focus on artist development, UMG communicated.

Lastly, Janick himself addressed the appointments, expressing the belief that March “will thrive in this important new role” and that Parsa will effectively “take on this key position.”