Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) has appointed two senior executives as it continues to expand its operations in the region.
Cora Lam will serve as Head of Legal and Business Affairs, while Mark Gao joins as Senior Vice President of Brand Partnerships. Both will be based in Hong Kong and report directly to Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China. The appointments took effect immediately, UMG announced Monday (September 29).
Lam’s appointment follows Patsy Chan‘s decision to leave Universal Music Group after more than two decades with the company. Chan, who served as Senior Vice President and Head of Legal and Business Affairs for Asia, will remain through year-end to focus on Southeast Asia operations and facilitate the transition.
Lam brings over 20 years of experience in the music and entertainment industry to her newly created role, overseeing legal and business affairs across Greater China. She previously served as General Counsel and SVP of Legal and Business Affairs for Warner Music Asia, where she managed operations across 11 markets.
At Warner Music, Lam led the acquisition and integration of Gold Typhoon‘s catalog and artist roster. She also negotiated agreements with digital platforms, artists and brand partners throughout the region. Before Warner Music, she held senior positions at EMI Music Asia. Lam is qualified as a solicitor in Hong Kong and England and Wales.
“I look forward to working closely with Timothy and our colleagues to provide strategic legal and business support, strengthen our governance, and help build a solid foundation for our artists and the company’s continued success across the region.”
Cora Lam, Universal Music Greater China
Cora Lam said: “It is a privilege to take on this role at such a dynamic time. I look forward to working closely with Timothy and our colleagues to provide strategic legal and business support, strengthen our governance, and help build a solid foundation for our artists and the company’s continued success across the region.
Meanwhile, Gao will lead UMGC’s brand partnerships strategy, developing collaborations connecting music with lifestyle, sports and culture. He has 25 years of experience in international sports, entertainment and media.
Before joining Universal Music, Gao founded and served as CEO of Momentum Sports, where he built what UMGC described as an “award-winning business.” As President of CAA Sports China, he expanded the agency’s presence through partnerships and sponsorship programs.
Earlier in his career, Gao worked as Vice President at NBA China, where he contributed to bolstering the league’s brand and commercial performance in the Chinese market.
“Having spent the past 25 years in sports and entertainment, I am inspired to now bring that experience into music—an art form with unmatched power to connect and inspire people.”
Mark Gao, Universal Music Greater China
Gao said: “I am truly excited to be joining Universal Music Greater China. Having spent the past 25 years in sports and entertainment, I am inspired to now bring that experience into music—an art form with unmatched power to connect and inspire people.
“I look forward to working with Timothy and the team to create partnerships that not only generate commercial success, but also deliver cultural impact that benefits artists, brands and fans alike.”
The appointments come after several strategic moves by UMGC this year. The division signed exclusive deals with artists Liu Huan and David Tao. Last week, the company brought back performer Nana Ouyang. The company also named producer Zhang Yadong as Chief Music Advisor.
Earlier this year, UMGC established Deutsche Grammophon China and Blue Note Records China, as UMG branches out beyond mainstream pop in the world’s second-largest economy.
Commenting on the appointments, Xu said: “The expansion of our leadership team reflects our commitment to building a stronger foundation for UMGC’s future. Cora’s deep expertise in legal and business affairs and Mark’s proven ability to create transformative brand partnerships will significantly enhance our management capabilities.”
Cora’s deep expertise in legal and business affairs and Mark’s proven ability to create transformative brand partnerships will significantly enhance our management capabilities.”
Timothy Xu, Universal Music Greater China
Added Xu: “Together, they will play vital roles in delivering greater value to our artists and partners, while driving forward our long-term vision for sustainable growth. I would also like to sincerely thank Patsy Chan for her more than 20 years of dedication, and we wish her every success as she embarks on the next chapter of her career.”
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