Sally Davies appointed Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios – Music Business Worldwide

Abbey Road Studios has a new Managing Director.

Universal Music UK has appointed Sally Davies as MD of the iconic London-based recording studio.

Reporting to Universal Music UK COO David Sharpe, Davies joins Abbey Road from Vivendi Village where she was CEO of U-Live, the live promoter, producer and entertainment company within the Vivendi Group.

In that role, Davies oversaw Vivendi’s investments in live entertainment.

Davies’s 10-year tenure at U-Live – which included the company’s three years within Universal Music UK –  saw her curate events across music, lifestyle and culture, with her festival portfolio including Love Supreme and Kite Festival.

Universal Music UK says that Davies has “also had one foot in immersive theatre” since 2019 as the Producer of Mamma Mia the Party! alongside Björn Ulvaeus.

Prior to joining U-Live in 2012, Davies spent seven years with AEG as Assistant GM/Director of Events of The O2.

She also held senior roles at two of London’s tourist attractions, The London Eye and the Science Museum.

Universal Music UK notes that in recent years Abbey Road, which is part of Universal Music’s global studio network alongside other locations such as Capitol Studios in California, “has been the subject of significant investment” since the 2012 UMG acquisition of EMI.

Abbey Road also runs initiatives such as Equalise, which it says  “aims to inspire and empower young women aspiring to a career in music”, and the Abbey Road Red music tech incubator.

Davies succeeds Isabel Garvey as MD of Abbey Road. Garvey was appointed Chief Operating Officer at Warner Music UK in March.

“Sally’s wealth of experience dealing with artists around the world linked to her empathy and knowledge of music is the perfect fit for Abbey Road.”

Giles Martin 

Giles Martin said: “Sally’s wealth of experience dealing with artists around the world linked to her empathy and knowledge of music is the perfect fit for Abbey Road.

“She has a passion for innovation as well as understanding the extraordinary legacy of the world’s most famous recording studio. I am beyond excited to work alongside her in bringing the next generation of artists to Abbey Road Studios.”

“Sally balances creativity and business strategy exceptionally well and I couldn’t be happier to welcome her back to the Universal Music family.”

David Joseph, Universal Music UK

David Joseph, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music UK added: “I’ve known Sally for a long time so it was an easy decision to appoint her to one of the most important leadership positions in our industry, at the forefront of world class recordings, sound innovation and creative education.

“Sally balances creativity and business strategy exceptionally well and I couldn’t be happier to welcome her back to the Universal Music family.”

 “It’s truly an honour and privilege to be taking on the role of Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios, a place of great music and ground-breaking sound.”

Sally Davies

Sally Davies, Managing Director, Abbey Road Studios, said: “It’s truly an honour and privilege to be taking on the role of Managing Director of Abbey Road Studios, a place of great music and ground-breaking sound.

“I’m excited about going on this journey with the fantastic team who have fostered the environment of creativity and innovation, and help make Abbey Road the special place that it is.”

Music Business Worldwide