Cindy Mabe Steps Down as Chair and CEO of Universal Music Nashville
In a long-anticipated move, Cindy Mabe has relinquished her roles as Chair and CEO of Universal Music Nashville (UMGN), after nearly two decades with the company and two years in this leadership position.
Mabe took up the mantle in April 2023, succeeding Mike Dungan, who announced his retirement months prior. Her appointment marked a significant milestone as the first woman to lead a major record label in Nashville.
Details regarding her replacement remain undisclosed, and UMG's headquarters has yet to officially confirm or comment on the development.
Mabe's departure, which had been rumored for months, adds UMGN to the growing list of major labels that have made leadership changes recently. Randy Phillips retired from Sony Nashville, with Taylor Lindsey succeeding him as CEO. Warner Nashville witnessed the addition of Greg Nadel as Co-Chair and Co-President alongside Cris Lacy, with Ben Kline's departure.
Mabe's career in the music industry commenced at RCA Records in Nashville before transitioning to Arista. In 2007, she joined Capitol Nashville, where she initially worked with Mike Dungan as Senior VP of Marketing. Following the merger of Capitol Nashville and UMG Nashville in 2012, Mabe assumed the role of President, leading to her eventual appointment as Chair and CEO in 2014.
UMGN hosts an impressive roster of country music's leading stars, including Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Eric Church, and many more. Mabe played a pivotal role in nurturing the careers of numerous artists, including Stapleton.