Ethiopia Habtemariam has elevated to new heights at Motown!

In an announcement today (March 1), Universal Music Group named Habtemariam chairman & CEO of Motown. Since 2014, she has served as the label’s president and will now report directly to UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge.

Under Habtemariam’s leadership, Motown remains committed to its traditions of artist development and partnerships with creative and entrepreneurial entities which include Atlanta-based Quality Control Music (QC).

The partnership with QC has created hits from Migos, Lil Yachty, City Girls, and more and the label is well on its way to becoming one of the leading hip-hop and R&B music and entertainment companies.

“Motown is such an important voice, and just as when it was founded by Berry Gordy, its impact continues to be felt around the world,” said Grainge in a statement. “Motown’s resurgence and powerful partnership under Ethiopia’s leadership has advanced the label’s legacy as home to some of today’s biggest hitmakers and most meaningful voices in music.”

During her time at Motown, Habtemariam has also overseen the label’s relocation to Los Angeles from New York in 2014.

“It’s an incredible honor to represent and define what Motown is today,” said Habtemariam in the statement. “I’ve always understood the power of music and the responsibility I have, not only to continue to be an advocate for artists and creators but to forge new paths for entrepreneurs and to lift up our next generation of executives around the world. I’d like to thank Lucian for his constant support and guidance over the years; my Motown team for all they have done and continue to do; the Capitol team for their help in building Motown over these past six years; Clarence Avant who has always taught me about the power of responsibility; and to Mr. Berry Gordy, for his faith in me to carry on his legacy.”

Before taking her talents to Motown, she served as the president of urban music and co-head creative at Universal Music Publishing Group.

Music Exec

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