MUMBAI: After a stint of six years at Sony Music, Vinit Thakkar has joined Universal Music India as digital head. He will report to Universal Music India and SAARC MD Devraj Sanyal.

In his new role, Thakkar will consolidate and grow the label’s digital business in India and SAARC.

Speaking on the appointment, Sanyal said, “The digital business for UMG India is one of the most critical parts of the music business and I am very pleased to welcome Vinit Thakkar to the team. Thakkar brings with him an exceptionally great and relevant background to the table with his years at Sony, Citibank and Titan. I have no doubt in my mind that he will take Universal Music and all its allied future businesses to the next level.”

Prior to his appointment, Thakkar was senior general manager at Sony Music handling the P&L responsibility across digital, licensing and publishing businesses. He has also worked with companies like Titan and Citibank in the sales and marketing sector.

Confirming the news with Radioandmusic.com Thakkar said, “ My journey with Sony Music was outstanding but it was time for change and something challenging. I'm delighted by the opportunity to work with Universal Music. At such a pivotal time for music, where the digital landscape is undergoing a sea change, it’s more important than ever to fully exploit the many opportunities that new digital services and products provide in reaching audiences around the world. I look forward to this new challenge and I am extremely confident of building a robust digital business at Universal Music.”