Bill Ackman Steps Down From Universal Music Group's Board Of Directors

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has officially stepped down from the Board of Directors at Universal Music Group (UMG), the company confirmed this morning in a surprise announcement to investors.

Ackman’s resignation, effective immediately, comes as he takes on “new executive and board obligations arising from his recent investments,” according to UMG’s statement. The board thanked Ackman for his contributions, highlighting his role during a pivotal period that saw UMG evolve from a private company to a thriving public entity.

In a parting statement, Ackman said, “Over the last three years, I have greatly enjoyed being a director of UMG… The company is extremely well positioned for future growth and profitability under the superb leadership of Sir Lucian Grainge and the entire UMG team.”

Ackman, CEO and founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, has been a key player in UMG’s public market journey since 2021, when his firm acquired a 10% stake in the company. This year alone, Pershing Square sold a combined 2.7% stake in UMG for $1.4 billion and committed to offloading an additional $500 million in shares to help push for a U.S. listing—one

Ackman believes will drive stronger institutional interest and broader market visibility.

His departure comes shortly after UMG posted strong Q1 2025 results, with revenue up 9.5% year-on-year and adjusted EBITDA rising 10%. It also coincides with a critical transition phase for the music giant, which continues to advocate for an “artist-centric” streaming model as part of its broader “Streaming 2.0” vision—projected to fuel 8–10% annual streaming revenue growth through 2028.

While Ackman may no longer hold a board seat, his influence is likely to linger, especially as UMG eyes a potential U.S. stock market listing and a continued reshaping of global music economics.