WPP and Universal Music Group partner to drive music-driven brand engagement

WPP, the creative transformation company, and Universal Music Group (UMG), a music-based entertainment company, announced a strategic partnership that will provide clients’ brands with audience engagement strategies leveraging the power of music. The new partnership brings together UMG’s family of artists and labels, and its global data and insights team, with WPP’s creative scale and extensive client network, giving brands new opportunities to connect with audiences through music.  

The collaborative partnership offers WPP clients new opportunities to connect with some of the world’s popular artists and their music, and unique access to UMG’s music catalogue to unlock additional areas of amplification through data-driven and technological innovation. In addition, WPP and UMG will work together to responsibly explore new ways that AI can better help brands and artists connect and create authentic cultural moments. 

The announcement builds upon the history of successful collaboration between WPP and Universal Music Group for Brands (UMGB), as exemplified by their ongoing partnership with The Coca-Cola Company. Working together, WPP and UMG have collaborated on global initiatives such as the 'Coke Studio' and 'Sprite Limelight' music platforms. Through these programmes, established and emerging artists have amplified brand messaging, galvanising fan communities worldwide while expanding their audiences.  

Stephan Pretorius, Chief Technology Officer, WPP, said, "Music is becoming an even more powerful cultural force, and technology is rewriting how we experience it. This partnership with  UMG will allow us to leverage emerging technologies and data insights to create truly innovative  music-driven campaigns for our clients, shaping the future of brand engagement." 

Michael Nash, Chief Digital Officer & EVP, Universal Music Group, said, “This collaboration provides benefits to stakeholders of each company. On one hand, combining innovative new technologies with UMG’s industry-leading data insights, we can create significant new commercial opportunities for our artists and songwriters. In addition, working together with WPP, we will  harness and amplify the unmatched power and reach of music for WPP’s clients and brands  through new strategic initiatives and programmes.” 

This initiative is part of WPP’s larger strategy to invest in data and technology-driven solutions and partnerships with the world’s companies to drive value for its clients.