Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge has been handed a knighthood in the Queen’s 90th birthday honours. It was awarded for services to British business and inward investment, acknowledging Los Angeles-based Grainge’s status as one of the UK’s most successful business leaders.
“It is with enormous pride that I receive this honour from Her Majesty the Queen,” Grainge said. “It is a recognition of British music’s significance to the UK’s culture and economy, its role in inspiring investment, and the contribution of incredible creative talent from around the world.”
Grainge graduated through the ranks at Universal UK, previously serving in roles such as managing director of Polydor, chairman/CEO of Universal Music UK and chairman/CEO of Universal Music Group International. He’s served as UMG CEO since 2010 and chairman since the following year.
Grainge is joined on the list by one of his artists – Decca-signed Rod Stewart, who is also made a Sir, and Universal UK’s senior director, HR, Morna Cook, who is awarded an MBE for services to the music industry and apprentices. Universal have proved favourites of the Palace in recent years, with Universal Music UK chairman/CEO David Joseph receiving a CBE in the New Year Honours, and former UMGI chief Max Hole – also this year’s Music Week Awards Strat winner – picking up the same award in 2015.
Other music names to make the honours list include another Decca artist, veteran singer Dame Vera Lynn, who is made a companion of honour. The chair of the Royal Opera House and Aldeburgh Music, Simon Robey, is made a Sir. Pop-stars-turned-TV-presenters Ant & Dec and trumpeter Alison Balsom are given OBEs. Professor Colin Lawson, director of the Royal College of Music, classical pianist Paul Lewis and composer/conductor John McLeod all receive CBEs.
Music business consultant Remi Harris, formerly of AIM and UK Music, is given an MBE for services to the music industry, while soul singer Ruby Turner also picks up an MBE.
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