Universal Music recently announced the appointment of Vinit Thakkar as the Head of the New Business Development and Licensing operations in South Asia, adding to his existing responsibility of running the digital business for the region.

In December 2012, Thakkar was appointed head of Digital business, South Asian by Universal Music. Since then he has worked closely with all Digital partners in consolidating and growing Universal's digital business in South Asia. Retaining his position as the Head of Digital Business, Thakkar will assume the new role of leading two other integral businesses in the company.

The New Business Development function, which he will undertake, includes working closely with brand partners and providing them with unique music led solutions in partnership with brands. This entails making music an integral part of the brand’s overall strategy to communicate and engage with their consumers. Licensing involves all forms of music licensing to broadcast partners, brands for using music in brand commercials and studio houses to license music in films. 

 Speaking on the appointment, Devraj Sanyal, Managing Director Universal Music Group, South Asiasaid “In the changing landscape of the music ecosystem of South Asia, at UMG and EMI we pride ourselves on having an extremely hedged business model that works independently in the trading business, and which now contributes to a large chunk of our bottom lines. In these models, the New Business Development with brandsbusinesses and licensing businesses carry the maximum weight followed closely by the live and music merchandising piece. Vinit has done a stellar job with the digital piece here in just over a year and now will also lead the other two businesses. It’s a huge responsibility to carry, and I have no doubt that he will do justice tohis new role. At UMG and EMI, we wish Vinit the very best for the coming years as the new Vice President and Head of Digital, New Business and Licensing”

“The music business landscape has changed significantly in the last couple of years. We at Universal Music have aggressively been working towards consolidating our revenue streams across traditional and new businesses. New business development is an extremely critical growth area for us in the coming years and I see immense opportunities for growth. I am delighted to be given these additional responsibilities and at the same time confident of doing some path breaking work in both these revenue streams” said Vinit Thakkar, Head of New Business Development & Licensing.

Prior to joining Universal, Thakkar was with Sony Music as senior general manager handling the P&L responsibility across digital, licensing & publishing businesses. Thakkar has also worked with companies like Titan and Citibank in sales and marketing function. The appointment has come into effect from 1^st January 2014.