Welcome to the world of music industry power moves! As we venture further into 2025, we’re taking a moment to appreciate the dynamic duo leading the East Coast Label Group of Universal Music Group (UMG) – Mauro DeCeglie and Jules Ferree. Both have been appointed as Vice Presidents, Brand Partnerships for the Label Group, a key part of the world’s leading music company. DeCeglie and Ferree are not new to the music industry, with their vast experience and strategic skills, they’re poised to bring exciting changes to the labels they now represent: Island Def Jam Music Group and Republic Records. Let’s dive in and discover more about their challenges, successes, and the brands they work with, along with the value they bring to UMG.
Roles and Responsibilities
Mauro DeCeglie and Jules Ferree have each been named Vice President, Brand Partnerships for the East Coast Label Group of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music company. UMG’s East Coast Label Group consists of Island Def Jam Music Group and Republic Records. Ferree will focus on Island Def Jam while DeCeglie will work closely with Republic Records. The announcement was made by Cynthia Sexton EVP, Brand Partnerships& Licensing, East Coast Label Group.
A New Chapter in Brand Partnership
In their new roles, DeCeglie and Ferree will be charged with identifying and maximizing and label opportunities in partnership with third-party brands. In concert with their respective label’s marketing teams, they will work on developing promotions, social media initiatives, event-based sponsorships and product placements. Among the brands Ferree and DeCeglie work with are Samsung, Anheuser-Busch, JetBlue, Citibank, United Airlines, Patron and Diesel.
Leadership Statements
“I’m thrilled that the East Coast Label Group’s Brand Partnership team will be led by these two exceptional executives,” stated Sexton. “Both Mauro and Jules bring a wealth of experience to their respective positions and are skilled relationship builders and keen negotiators. I’m confident that, with their help, this exciting area will continue to expand, providing even more opportunities for our and labels, while growing revenue streams for the company.”
About Mauro DeCeglie
Mr. DeCeglie comes to UMG from EMI, where he was Senior Director, Brand Partnerships for Capitol Music Group (formerly EMI Music). While there, he worked on product integrations with key such as Katy Perry and helped sell the Lady Antebellum& Lipton campaign. DeCeglie also oversaw marketing campaigns for Virgin Janet Jackson, Iggy Pop, Daft Punk, Massive Attack and the Rolling Stones. In the past, he has held marketing positions at The Village Voice, Island Def Jam, DIRECTV and Universal Music Group Distribution. Mr. DeCeglie holds a BA in Marketing from St. Peter’s College in New Jersey.
About Jules Ferree
Ms. Ferree most recently served as Senior Director, Digital Strategy and New for UMG’s East Coast Label Group. She joined the Island Def Jam Music Group in 2009 as Director, Digital Marketing serving as the social architect behind award-winning digital campaigns for Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna. Following the completion of her undergraduate degree in Finance and Entrepreneurship at Miami University in 2004, Ms. Ferree immediately began an internship at J Records in Strategic Marketing which led to roles within the Sales, Business Operations, and Mobile Marketing teams, respectively, at the RCA Music Group.
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