DEVRAJ SANYAL NAMED TO BILLBOARD GLOBAL POWER PLAYERS LIST FOR SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Devraj Sanyal, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music India and senior strategy leader at Universal Music Group, has been named to Billboard’s Global Power Players list for the sixth consecutive year, highlighting India’s growing influence in the global music industry and the evolving ecosystem around artists, entertainment and technology.

Devraj Sanyal, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music India and Senior Vice President for Strategy across Africa, the Middle East and Asia at Universal Music Group, has been named to the prestigious Billboard Global Power Players list for the sixth consecutive year, reinforcing his role in shaping the global trajectory of India’s music industry.

The recognition places Sanyal among the world’s most influential music executives and underscores the rising prominence of Indian music on the global stage. A three-time Grammy-nominated producer and a regular on Billboard’s International Power Players list between 2021 and 2024, Sanyal has also been acknowledged through multiple honours at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and the Clio Awards.

Responding to the recognition, Sanyal emphasised that the honour reflects a collective achievement rather than an individual milestone. He credited artists who are redefining culture within India while simultaneously gaining global audiences, as well as the teams across the Universal Music ecosystem in India and South Asia that have helped reshape the company’s role in the modern entertainment landscape.

Over the past decade, the organisation has expanded far beyond its traditional label structure. Today, its operations span recorded music, publishing, film, brand collaborations, fan engagement, merchandise, technology, artificial intelligence and distribution. According to Sanyal, this evolution has enabled the company to move from producing songs to building full entertainment ecosystems that support artists and audiences alike.

He highlighted the work of several divisions including Universal Music Publishing Group India, Virgin Music Group India, UMG For Brands India and TM Ventures, which together contribute to a broader strategy focused on developing talent, strengthening fan communities and connecting music with film, technology and commercial partnerships.

Sanyal also noted that India’s role in the global music conversation has changed significantly in recent years. What was once considered an emerging market has become a dynamic cultural force influencing trends across regions. As digital platforms expand and Indian artists gain international visibility, the country’s music industry is increasingly seen as a central driver of global cultural exchange.

Grateful for the trust of artists and partners, Sanyal said the recognition belongs to the collective effort of teams across India and South Asia who are building the next chapter of the music business with conviction. With continued investment in talent, technology and cross-industry collaboration, he believes the most significant milestones for Indian music are still to come.