Universal Music’s commercial director Chris Shiels has spoken about the “fantastic” Sales Team victory at the Music Week Awards.

It follows an incredible run for the market-leading major. Universal had breakthrough success last year with Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and Gracie Abrams. That chart bonanza has continued this year with domestic stars including Sam Fender, Mumford & Sons and Lola Young, alongside global pop titans such as Lady Gaga.

“I'm breathless,” said Shiels of the victory. “We came to have a great celebration after an incredible year with the whole team, and I think we're blown away by it.”

We will continue to just try and find great ways to deliver for fans in every format

Chris Shiels

During 2024, Universal secured 32 weeks at No.1 on the albums chart and 42 weeks on the singles rankings.

“I would just say the numbers are great and the releases are great, and we're lucky to work with some incredible artists,” said Shiels. “But it's more than that. We're a partnerships business, and we work every day in partnership with labels and our business partners. And we've got a team who not only love music, but are incredibly creative, incredibly humble, and every day try to find a new way to do something great. That goes right through the business.”

Universal also played a significant role in vinyl’s continuing success, including a big roll-out for Record Store Day.

“Brian Regan, our director of catalogue, is absolutely integral to everything that we do across all the formats,” said Shiels. “We listen, we speak to partners in all different areas. We're so delighted with where the vinyl resurgence is, and we will continue to just try and find great ways to deliver for fans in every format.”

Click here to read our interview with Island EMI president Louis Bloom and the team on their double victory.