Mike Dungan is stepping down after nearly ten years as chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville.
Dungan’s retirement from the company also marks his retirement from the music industry after more than 40 years.
UMG made the announcement on Monday (January 9), describing Dungan as “one of the most successful executives in the history of country music.”
The executive joined UMG in 2012 after the music company acquired EMI Records, where he spent 12 years as president of Capitol Nashville.
During his tenure at Capitol Nashville, the label was named billboard magazine’s Country Label of the Year Seven years in a row from 2005 to 2012.
Dungan started his career in the music business at age 16, doing chores at a Cincinnati record store.
“For 43 years the music business has been my home. Smile, make calls, sell, rumble, laugh and do my part to help art and magic realize its potential.” And I love every minute of it.”
Mike Dungan
“For 43 years the music business has been my home. Smile, make calls, sell, rumble, laugh and do my part to help art and magic realize its potential.” And I love every minute of it,” Dungan said.
“The solemn truth is that over time, that intensity took its toll and many dogs were knocked out of me… It’s time to slow down. I have an incredible wife who has put up with me for 45 years.”
Officers will retire at age 69.
At UMG Dungan has worked with country artists such as Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, George Strait, Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Deeks Bentley and Maddie. I have overseen my career. & Tae, Gary Allan, Vince Gill, Billy Currington, Sam Hunt, Kacey Musgraves, Brothers Osborne, Mickey Guyton, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, and Reba.
Dungan also held positions at RCA and Arista, helping launch the careers of Brooks Dunn, Alan Jackson, Pam Tillis, Diamond Rio and Brad Paisley.
Mr Dungan will continue to serve as an advisor to UMG’s Chairman and CEO, Sir Lucian Grainge, following his resignation as advisor.
“I am eternally grateful to Sir Lucien Grainge for giving me the keys to the best work in the world 11 years ago,” continued Dungan. “To him and to everyone at UMG, to everyone who has been my arm family now and in the past, to all the creators for whom it has been my pleasure to represent art… love and gratitude. I I’m the luckiest man alive.”
Sir Lucien Grainge described Dungan as a “unique power”.
“While he will no longer be performing his duties as CEO, he will continue to contribute to areas both of us are passionate about, breaking down genre barriers and providing vital support to artists past and present. I requested you.”
Sir Lucian Grange
Grainge adds: After his illustrious 40 years in Nashville, our team is poised to continue to excel and Mike is making great and deserved life changes. ”
“And while he won’t be performing his duties as CEO, he will continue to contribute to the areas we are passionate about: breaking down genre barriers and providing vital support to artists past and present. I asked him to
“We are deeply grateful for everything Mike has done for our company and our artists, and congratulate him on his unprecedented career success. I am delighted.”
