NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) – Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced the formation of the UMG Global Impact Team, which aims to promote “positive change through community engagement, environmental sustainability, events, and special projects.”
Leading the team is Susan Mazo, UMG’s Executive Vice President (EVP) of Social Responsibility, Events, and Special Projects, who has been promoted to EVP, Chief Impact Officer. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Mazo joined UMG in 2014 and has been a leader in sustainability, charitable giving, and community engagement. She is the founding Chair of UMG’s All Together Now Foundation and the co-creator of the Amplifier Award, recognizing artists for their commitment to positive change through their music. Mazo has also developed initiatives in artist healthcare, mental health, and support for the unhoused.
Mazo said via a press release, “I’m honored to take on this new role and work alongside such an incredible team who have all been leaders in their respective fields. Through our work, we’ve demonstrated that sustainability, community engagement, and corporate social impact go hand-in-hand with delivering positive results for our employees, artists, and shareholders. With this next evolution of our team and structure, and with Sir Lucian’s constant encouragement and focus, I’m excited to create and implement a new approach that unites all of the efforts in a way that will amplify UMG’s global impact and brand resonance given our unique position to enact positive change.”
Effective June 10, Dylan Siegler will join as Senior Vice President (SVP), Head of Sustainability, leading UMG’s global sustainability efforts. Siegler has two decades of experience in environmental and social impact, having previously served as SVP of Sustainability at GreenBiz Group, where she curated and hosted one of the world’s leading annual sustainability events.
Dr. Menna Demessie, SVP and Executive Director of the Task Force for Meaningful Change and former SVP of Policy and the Leadership Institute of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, will also be part of the Global Impact Team leadership. Additionally, Markie Ruzzo has been promoted to Vice President (VP) of Global Impact. Sharlotte Ritchie, previously Senior Director of Communications and head of the Task Force for Meaningful Change in the UK, will now serve as Senior Director, Global Impact and Communications.
Inside Projects, a strategy and marketing agency specializing in social impact, will exclusively partner with UMG in the music industry. Founded by Kristin Jones and Arielle Vavasseur, Inside Projects has worked with clients like Higher Ground Productions, Netflix, and Spotify. It will advise the Global Impact Team and UMG on communications, public policy, artists, and shareholder relations.
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, stated, “The formation of the Global Impact Team reflects our commitment not only to accelerating our work in these critical areas but to do so in a way that leverages the experience and talent of these exceptional individuals to drive positive impact across our company, our industry, and in the communities in which we serve. With this new structure, we are ensuring that these functions are not siloed but rather positioned to meaningfully influence all aspects of our global strategy.”
