Michael Nash

Michael Nash

Michael Nash has worked at the forefront of entertainment media’s technological transformation for over 30 years. Labeled a “visionary” by The Atlantic, he’s led various digital enterprises and is widely recognized for his prominent role in revolutionizing the music business. Music Ally called him, “one of the most influential people in the global music industry.”

Nash currently serves as Universal Music Group’s EVP, Chief Digital Officer. He joined UMG in 2015 and oversees the industry leader’s global digital strategy, partnerships and business development. In his Corporate Management capacity, he works closely with operating units to align strategic direction and tactical execution. For “leading the industry’s response to AI” Fast Company designated UMG one of the world’s “50 Most Innovative Companies” of 2024. Nash has been named to every Billboard Power 100 List during his tenure.

Prior to joining UMG, Nash was a strategic advisor to digital media startups and served in senior management at Warner Music Group from 2000 to 2011, rising to EVP, Digital Strategy and Business Development, responsible for WMG’s global digital business.

Nash’s music industry career highlights include major deals—often first-of-their-kind partnerships—with companies such as Amazon, Apple, AT&T, Meta, Spotify, Tencent, Verizon, YouTube and many others.

Earlier in his career, Nash helmed the Madison Project, the music industry’s first digital distribution trial (1999). He founded Inscape, a digital media/games publisher backed by Time Warner that produced award-winning titles with artists such as William S. Burroughs, DEVO and The Residents (1994-1997). And he oversaw the Criterion Collection, working with luminaries such as Robert Altman, David Bowie, Terry Gilliam and Louis Malle, producing definitive editions of masterpieces like “Citizen Kane,” “Dr. Strangelove,” “The 400 Blows” and “Ugetsu” (1991-1994).

Nash’s quoted commentary on technology and culture has been featured in numerous periodicals including The Economist, the Financial Times, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Nash has art-world roots, with a wide range of publications and exhibitions to his credit, including presentations for the American Film Institute, Lincoln Center, The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Sundance Film Festival. Summarizing his career arc, the editors of “Give Them the Picture” wrote, “Nash used the interest he developed in emerging forms of digital culture while working as an art curator and critic, and became a pioneer of digital innovations in the business world.”

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  • Organization
    Universal Music Group
  • Profession
    Chief Digital Officer
Related sessions
In person & onlineGOAL 12GOAL 9
8 July 2025
17:30 - 18:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia

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