Deutsche Grammophon announce new President

Dr Clemens Trautmann has been appointed to one of the top jobs in the classical record business, becoming president at Deutsche Grammophon (DG). The multi-talented clarinettist and lawyer comes to DG from digital publishing company Axel Springer, where he was managing director.

Speaking on his appointment Trautmann said that, ‘It’s a wonderful challenge that I am greatly looking forward to,’ adding that he would seek to bring a ‘fresh approach’ to the industry in order to make classical music ‘valuable and relevant.’

The 117-year-old company is home to some of the world’s foremost classical stars, including Daniel Barenboim, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Bryn Terfel, Daniil Trifonov, Yuja Wang, and Alice Sara Ott. It has been part of the Universal Music Group (UMG) since 1999, with Trautmann reporting to both Frank Briegmann, UMG’s president of Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon, and Dickon Stainer, president and CEO of global classics.

‘As a distinguished musician and experienced executive he embodies two features which we have always seen as the mainstays of Deutsche Grammophon: unrivalled creative leadership and the courage to pursue new business strategies,’ commented Briegmann.

Trautmann himself is no stranger to the business, having played on numerous recordings and worked in the media sector for a number of years. He studied with renowned German player Sabine Meyer at Lübeck Academy of Music, received a master of music degree from New York’s Juilliard School and has a doctorate in law.

The position was previously held by Mark Wilkinson, who is now vice president of international strategy and artist development at UMG. Trautmann, 38, will take up the role from 1 December.