David Joseph CBE, the former Chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK, has joined The UK-based Royal Society of Arts (RSA) as its new CEO.
Joseph will formally take up the post in September, succeeding Andy Haldane. Joseph exited UMG in September 2024 and began a Master’s In Religion and Theology at King’s College London.
MBW understands that Joseph has completed the first year of his MA and has delayed the final year to take on this role.
The ‘royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce’ is described as a “social impact charity that has been at the forefront of social change for 270 years”.
The org says that it continues to maintain a connection with the Royal Household; its Patron is the Princess Royal.
Described by the RSA as “one of the UK’s most respected creative industries and media executives,” the organization said that Joseph “will bring to the RSA a unique blend of creative leadership and commercial expertise, alongside a commitment to the RSA’s collaborative and inclusive values, its global Fellowship, now in the tens of thousands across 115 countries, and its role in effecting social impact over the course of its 271-year history”.
Joseph led Universal Music UK as Chairman and CEO for 17 years, overseeing what the press release noted on Tuesday (July 1) was “a period of extraordinary transformation and commercial success”.
Beginning his career in advertising before moving into music, Joseph rose through the ranks of artist development and label management, before becoming Chairman and CEO at Universal Music UK in 2008.
According to the RSA, his career to date “has been characterised by his values-driven approach to leadership, with kindness and collaboration at the heart of his approach”.
As well as chairing several BRIT Award shows, Joseph was also an executive producer of the Oscar and BAFTA-winning 2015 Amy documentary.
Outside of his commercial achievements, the RSA noted that Joseph has “consistently used his platform to drive change”. He is credited with pioneering Universal Music’s Creative Differences initiative in 2019, producing what’s claimed to be the first industry handbook for embracing neurodiversity in the workplace, which has reached more than 200 organisations across the globe.
Joseph was also a founding board member of Julie’s Bicycle, helping to lead the cultural sector’s response to the climate crisis, and served on the National Council of Arts Council England for eight years.
In 2013, Joseph worked with Baroness Doreen Lawrence to drive music industry support for Unity, to mark the 20th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s murder. As Chair of the Grenfell Foundation, Joseph continues to advocate for justice and policy reform, focusing on community advocacy.
“We are thrilled that David will join us in the autumn, knowing that he will foster a collaborative and caring culture that speaks to our fellows, partners, staff teams and the wider world.”
Sir Loyd Grossman, RSA
Sir Loyd Grossman, Chair of the RSA, said: “David’s commitment to effecting social change, his compassion and his commitment to nurturing people is exemplary.
“We are thrilled that David will join us in the autumn, knowing that he will foster a collaborative and caring culture that speaks to our fellows, partners, staff teams and the wider world.
“These qualities make David superbly placed to lead the RSA into its next vital phase, and we are thrilled to have him on board.”
“I’m excited to join such a talented organisation where we will build a bold new chapter together.”
David Joseph CBE
David Joseph added: “The RSA has a remarkable heritage and untapped potential.
“At a time when fresh thinking and collective action are urgently needed across the globe, the RSA is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change – uniting its rich tradition of arts, creativity and policy influence with the energy of its global Fellowship to spark ideas that shape society.
“I’m excited to join such a talented organisation where we will build a bold new chapter together.”
Joseph had been Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group’s UK recorded music company since 2008, when he was promoted from his previous position as Co-President of Polydor.
He spent an unbroken 26 years at UMG, having first joined Universal as London-based Polydor’s General Manager in 1998.
Joseph oversaw an era at Universal Music UK in which the company has been deeply involved in the global success of artists including Amy Winehouse, Mumford & Sons, Sam Smith, Take That, Stormzy, Florence + The Machine, The 1975, Snow Patrol, James Blake, and Hozier.Music Business Worldwide
