UMA exec Nadya Balzarolo steps down

Nadya Balzarolo, Universal Music Australia’s General Manager Media Partnership, UMA Brands (previously GM Promotions), is stepping down from her role.

After playing an intrinsic hand in taking what was the smallest music company in Australia to become the largest of the two major labels, Balzarolo is set to announce the launch of her own company in 2016. 

 Balzarolo joined UMA as Publicity Manager for Geffen/MCA Records as one of just three staffers at the label’s inception. As a founding member of the Universal Music Australia team, Balzarolo’s ensuing roles in promotions and  publicity, and her involvement through the mergers with Polygram and EMI, saw her form valuable relationships which  contributed to UMA’s chart successes, growth and artist exposure. 

As a dedicated music fan and an energetic leader in the local industry, Balzarolo helped to steer Australia to become  one of the Top 5 territories for Universal Music. She played an integral role in the rise of many now global artists.

Balzarolo oversaw UMA’s International, local and classical artists and was part of the team who helped to shape  Taylor Swift’s formative years, and coordinated her first promo tour of Australia when she performed at The Factory in  Sydney. She also played an integral role locally with Lady Gaga’s first promo show at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory.

 Balzarolo told TMN one of her most memorable and successful campaigns was Lady Gaga’s Sydney takeover  Monster Hall. The exclusive concert at Sydney Town Hall in 2011 made global news and remains one of the biggest  promotional events in Australia. Balzarolo has also worked with Justin Bieber since his first promotional tour of  Australia when he was just 15, as well as Australian paragons Powderfinger and Grinspoon.

“Universal has been my career family for a long time and I have loved working here. When I started we had an army of three, and throughout my time I had the opportunity to grow and lead a dynamic promotions team,” said Balzarolo. “It was an exciting and motivating time, we saw much industry change and had loads of adventures! The artists and managers who I worked along side will always remain close.”

As part of the UMA Brand Partnership team Balzarolo has maintained close ties to Australia’s media industry as well as developing brand relationships.

Recent campaigns include David Jones (#shotbysound) Coca Cola, Fairfax and The Voice, the last of which she will continue to work with on behalf of UMA.

“The end of 2015 brings a fresh beginning and I’m excited for this change and to start my own company in 2016,” said Balzarolo in a statement. “One of my first clients will be UMA and I will take up a consultancy for The Voice 2016.

“I personally want to thank George Ash and all our incredible artists and managers I’ve had the opportunity to work with.”