Will Tanous

Will Tanous
Born
Paris, France
OccupationRecord executive
Years active1993–present
TitleExecutive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Music Group

William Lloyd Tanous is a French-born record executive.[1] He has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer for Universal Music Group since 2021.[2]

Tanous led the initial public listings of two of the three major music corporations. His former deputies serve as communication heads for Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment.[3][4][5]

Career

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1993–2013

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Tanous was previously a member of the senior management team for Warner Music Group, where he was EVP of Communications & Marketing. While at WMG, Tanous developed and implemented communications strategies for major company endeavors, including the 2011 sale of WMG for $3.3 billion to Access Industries, Inc.; WMG's initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 2005; and the sale of WMG for $2.6 billion by Time Warner Inc. to private equity consortium.[6] In 1996, he co-created and produced the HBO live music television series Reverb, which aired for four seasons and was the highest-rated regularly scheduled music program on television.[7] Prior to joining Warner Music Group, Tanous held positions at Warner Music International and Geffen Records. He also served as president of two independent record labels.

2013–present

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Tanous became the EVP of Communications at Universal Music Group in April 2013,[8] reporting to Universal Music Group Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge. [9]

Tanous is responsible for developing and communicating the company's business strategy, managing worldwide communications, public policy, government relations, as well as interaction of UMG's companies in over 60 countries.[6] Tanous was promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Administration Officer (CAO) in 2021, recognizing his contributions to the success of the company's global strategy and operations. As CAO, Tanous oversees major strategic and corporate endeavors. [3]

In 2021, Tanous led the communications, corporate strategy, marketing and investor relations efforts behind UMG's public listing on the Euronext Amsterdam marking the largest IPO in the history of the music business, valuing UMG at more than $53 billion.[10]

Tanuous is based in Santa Monica, California.

Honors and achievements

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Tanous has been recognized multiple times on the Billboard Power 100, an annual list published by Billboard Magazine recognizing the most powerful executives in the music industry. In 2023, he was featured among the executive team occupying the No. 1 position with Sir Lucian Grainge.[11][12]

In 2019, Tanous was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which is presented annually to US citizens "who have distinguished themselves within their own ethnic groups while exemplifying the values of the American way of life."[13]

In 2017, Tanous was featured in the book 100 Influential Lebanese Figures Around the Globe recognizing his leadership in the entertainment industry.[14]

Personal life

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Tanous was born in Paris, France and raised in New York City.[15] He graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree.[9] He is of Lebanese, Scottish and Irish descent. He is married to Julie Tanous, an author and recipe developer who co-authored the critically acclaimed cookbook Cooking With Friends with actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson.[16][17]

References

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  1. ^ "WILL TANOUS PRESENTED WITH THE PRESTIGIOUS ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR". Universal Music. 2019.
  2. ^ "UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP PROMOTES WILL TANOUS TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER". Universal Music. February 2, 2021.
  3. ^ a b "Universal Music Promotes Will Tanous to Chief Administrative Officer". Variety. February 2, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  4. ^ "NEAR TRUTHS: BURNT OFFERINGS". Hits Daily Double. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  5. ^ "UMG Promotes Will Tanous to Chief Administrative Officer". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Will Tanous - EVP - Universal Music Group". UMG. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
  7. ^ "Will Tanous - Executive Profile". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  8. ^ "Will Tanous Named Executive Vice President & Head of Global Communications for Universal Music Group - UMG". UMG. April 1, 2013. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
  9. ^ a b "Will Tanous Named EVP/Head of Global Communications for Universal Music Group". Billboard. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
  10. ^ "Universal Music's Shares Soar 36.5% at First Day of Trading's Close". Variety. September 21, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  11. ^ "Billboard Power 100". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  12. ^ "2022 Billboard Power List". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  13. ^ Aswad, Jem (May 13, 2019). "Universal Music's Will Tanous Receives Ellis Island Medal of Honor". Variety. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  14. ^ "Century City stakeholder Chris Nassif makes list of Lebanese Most Influential People". Century City News. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  15. ^ "Will Tanuous". Music Business Worldwide. February 2, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  16. ^ "Julie Tanuous". Better Homes & Gardens. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  17. ^ "Review: 'Food Between Friends' Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Julie Tanous". WeCookBooks.com. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
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