George Ash
George Ash
George Ash is an executive for Universal Music Australia and New Zealand, having been appointed head of their Australasian operations in 2010.
In August last year, he launched an investigation into workplace culture at UMA after multiple online allegations surfaced. He retained law firm Seyfarth Shaw to conduct this probe which is now complete.
Early Life and Education
Ash was born on May 12, 1918 in Hot Wells, Texas to parents suffering from tuberculosis and working long hours at a restaurant to support the family. Her father passed away shortly after birth while Ash’s mother worked hard to support the household financially.
Ash never let her early struggles stop her from striving for success in business. She began working with Stanley Home Products, conducting demonstration “parties” to sell their products to homemakers.
She eventually achieved the position of unit manager before moving on to World Gift Company. While at World Gift, she experienced unequal pay and men being granted more authority than women. This experience left her deeply frustrated with both.
She was an enthusiastic Christian who believed God should be at the forefront of one’s life and career. Her strong faith was recognized through various awards and appearances.
Professional Career
George Ash has held a variety of senior leadership roles in business and industry. As part of the firm’s Government Procurement Practice, he provided advice to clients regarding bid protests, contract terms and subcontracts; submitted, negotiated and litigated claims; as well as appearing before Federal Boards of Contract Appeals and Courts.
He was also a member of the Automotive Industry Team and Privacy, Security & Information Management Practice. His services included counseling clients on compliance, audits and intellectual property matters as well as advice on governmental procurement practices and export controls.
He was also a professor of medical genetics at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). His groundbreaking discoveries in globin gene regulation, including how the thalassemia gene is disrupted in common anemias like thalassemia and sickle cell disease, remain important today.
Achievements and Honors
George Ash is a widely respected leader in the field of hematology. His accomplishments encompass education, research and practice related to his expertise.
He is a hematology educator at an esteemed university and has received multiple honors for his efforts. As editor of ASH’s first Self-Assessment Program, he served on numerous Society committees, including the Blood editorial board.
Dr. Ash is a renowned author and speaker, having published a landmark paper in ASH’s peer-reviewed Journal entitled “A Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Immuno Thrombocytopenia.” Additionally, he has served as an active volunteer with the Society and chaired multiple committees and journals.
Personal Life
George Ash is an esteemed music industry executive who has played a pivotal role in the successes of numerous top artists. Currently serving as President of Universal Music Asia/Pacific and previously serving as President of Universal Music Australasia, Mr. Ash was previously promoted to this new position.
Ash has been with UMG since 1995 and currently sits on its board of directors. In his current position, he oversees all activities throughout Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) for Universal Music Group International, reporting into Max Hole – Chairman and CEO.
Ash relocated to Australia in 2001 and quickly rose through the ranks to become President of Universal Music Australia before being promoted to his current position. Under his guidance, the major has experienced unprecedented success – doubling market share while introducing stars such as Lorde, Baker Boy, Tame Impala, Gotye and Dean Lewis to international fame.