Devraj Sanyal appointed Managing Director of Universal Music India
by EVENTFAQS Bureau | Marketing | June 24, 2011 | News
Devraj Sanyal has been appointed as Managing Director of Universal Music India, effective immediately. The appointment was announced by Vico Antippas, President-Nordic Central and Eastern Europe, South Africa and India, Universal Music Group International.
Sanyal will assume responsibility for all operational aspects of Universal Music India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Sanyal succeeds Rajat Kakar, who is leaving Universal Music to pursue other interests. Kakar has been Managing Director of the company's India operations for the past eight years, during which it has maintained its market prominence. He also co-founded the prominent Asian electronic music festival, Sunburn, with Percept Ltd., which is rated in the top 10 festivals of the world.
Commenting on the appointment, Vico Antippas, President-Nordic Central and Eastern Europe, South Africa and India, Universal Music Group International said: "India's growth and evolution as an entertainment market and source of creativity is tremendously exciting, especially for innovative thinkers and bold entrepreneurs. Devraj is just such a person, and we're looking forward to a new era for the company under his leadership."
Talking about his plans for Universal, Sanyal said: "Digital Music, on mobile phones and other such spaces, will be unlocked in India. Given my background in live events, there will be many concerts and live music events. I am looking at making music available to brands."
Sanyal comes to Universal Music after two decades of being in the media and entertainment business. Of these, he has spent the last seven years at Percept. He was Group CEO of Percept Sports and Entertainment, which includes music, events, television and intellectual properties, branded content, and entertainment and talent management divisions. He now also moves to the board of Percept as Director - Sports and Entertainment, where he will play a semi active role.
On this development, Sanyal remarked, "For the past two decades, I have run successful organisations and businesses and also been a serious musician. I now intend to use this combined knowledge and understanding to take Universal Music India to its next level. I am here to change the game."
Sanyal has also been moved to the board of Percept as Director – Sports and Entertainment.