MUMBAI: French-based Universal Music Group International-SCM digital operations project manager Jeremie Varengo has put down his papers, after serving the company for more than seven years.

He started his professional journey ten years ago as a trainee at Paris-based start-up Musiwave He shouldered the responsibility of mobile and online content. Varengo had reached the senior management position in Musicwave before moving to Universal Music where he was involved in many projects. He had the chance to work with big names in the media and telecom industry like Vodafone, T-Mobile, YouTube, VEVO or Apple and met some great people.

Varengo owns JTV Digital-music digital distribution platform and currently he plans to expand his business. He speaks to Radioandmusic.com about his future plans.

Excerpts:

Why did you decide to quit Universal Music?

I decided to move on mainly because of the overall apathy in some departments of the company. I need challenges. Also I was more and more uncomfortable with the routines of huge record labels considering their catalogue (and as an extension their artists) only as financial assets. Basically, it’s been a while that music and creativity have been forgotten.

Did you serve your notice period?

I didn’t serve my notice period. It was the kind of ‘immediate effect’ departure.

Why did you decide to have your own start-up?

Mainly to do the exact opposite of what Universal is doing. I will be focusing on artistes, music, discovering and helping new talents to grow, deliver a high quality service to clients (and not neglecting them) and so on.

Now, will you be completely concentrating on JTV digital or will you be joining any other company anytime soon?

Over the next few months, I will concentrate only on JTV digital. I may also seal new partnerships for speeding up the company’s overall reach and growth. Along with JTV, I also available for consulting or advisory in the digital music sector.

How will your past responsibility help you with JTV digital?

I think my past 10 years of experience will help globally. I have been through various roles, I had the opportunity to work on many projects surrounding digital content in general, but I also experienced team management, business analysis and supply chain workflows, among other things.

Do you have partners on board for JTV digital?

Yes we do, mainly for marketing and promotion; we work closely with Dotted Music-one of the rising digital marketing agency in Europe.

What are your plans with JTV digital?

At the moment my priority is to work on artiste development. We are launching Wiyaala internationally; Adjoa Skinner, a Nashville-based performer; and DeDe Wedekind is about to release a very nice Christmas songs album with us. We pursue our efforts for supporting upcoming artists from all over the world.