Marc Robinson - UMG

The man behind the John Lewis Christmas ads and London 2012 Olympic campaign takes on the new role of managing director of Globe, which will see him managing Universal Music UK’s commercial partnerships and TV production arm Globe TV alongside his existing responsibilities running synch.

Universal Music UK chairman and chief executive David Joseph said, “Sponsorships and media partnerships are both fast-growing areas of our business which will benefit from Marc’s creativity and strategic thinking as well as his understanding of how commercial deals can play a role in artist development.”

The new-look Globe team will be bolstered by the arrival of former Carat Global director of media partnerships Jennifer Hills to who takes on the role of senior director of commercial partnerships, Globe.   Sarah Desmond, who in three years with Universal Music has steered deals including the award winning On Track With SEAT C4 TV project, Piaget’s global association with Melody Gardot and Rihanna’s appearance in last year’s Renault Clio ad, has been promoted to a parallel role alongside Hills.  Also reporting to Robinson will be head of Globe TV Iain Funnell, who over the past four years has overseen successful productions including Popstar To Operastar for ITV1, A Certain Band Called Queen for BBC1, and Paul Weller Into Tomorrow for BBC2.

Robinson said, “This is a really exciting new phase for everything we are doing in synch, brand partnerships and production. We have an incredible team in place to offer a one stop shop for brands, agencies and media companies alike.”