Based in Johannesburg, Dlamini will report to Adrian Cheesley, senior vice president of Universal Music Group.

The new role sees a return to the recording industry for the highly respected music executive. Dlamini’s expertise and global credentials range from running record labels, overseeing artist management and setting up recording studios in South Africa, China, Thailand, America and The Philippines for Creative Kingdom Records USA to international live event production including the FIFA World Cup opening and closing ceremonies in 2010 and large scale concert and festival production in Dubai and South Africa for Center Stage Management. In addition, Dlamini has a strong background in strategic brand marketing for the telecommunications industry, film investment and television production.

Dlamini joins Universal Music Group after three years as the chief executive officer of SAMRO, Africa’s leading music rights organisation, representing its members globally. During his tenure, the society implemented new operating systems, saw increased revenue collection from licensees and improved composer and publisher benefits.

He succeeds Randall Abrahams, who has announced his decision to step down from his role at Universal Music South Africa to focus fully on his wide-ranging business and media interests.

Speaking of his new position, Dlamini said: “My thanks to Randall Abrahams for his commitment to the growth of the Universal Music Group brand. I’m honoured and humbled to lead the world’s premier music company on our continent at this exciting time for Africa in the music business. I am looking forward to working with a great team and continuing to build on the current success of the company and our artists.”

Cheesley said, “I am thrilled that Sipho has agreed to join Universal Music. His broad creative experience and artist relationships, combined with his ability to lead a high performance business, make him an exceptional choice as leader for our dynamic Sub-Saharan African operations.”

For more information, visit www.universalmusic.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.