In the wake of the devastating wildfires raging through Los Angeles, Universal Music Group (UMG) has revealed that at least 50 of its employees have lost their homes or been forced to evacuate.
In an internal letter obtained by Hits Daily Double, UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge expressed deep concern for the plight of his staff. “At least 50 of our colleagues have been totally displaced, with many losing their homes entirely,” Grainge wrote. “With the fires still ongoing, this crisis is far from over.”
Grainge has assembled a senior executive task force to coordinate relief efforts for the affected employees. The group includes leaders from UMG’s various divisions, such as Universal Music Publishing Group, Interscope Geffen A&M, and Republic Records.
To ensure the task force can work swiftly, Grainge has canceled his scheduled European business meetings and will remain in Los Angeles to oversee the support initiatives. “Given the urgency of this disaster, I have decided to stay in L.A. so the ongoing work can be accomplished quickly,” he said.
The wildfires have not only devastated homes but also impacted the music industry’s infrastructure. The Belmont Music Publisher, which manages the rights to renowned composer Arnold Schoenberg’s works, has announced the loss of its entire inventory.
