Badyal joins Universal Music's UK communications team next week after five years advising on British culture and the digital economy for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, working for former Culture & Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey MP and his successor Matt Hancock MP.

In his new role, Badyal will work across all aspects of Universal Music UK's internal and external communications, reporting to Universal Music UK's Executive Vice President Selina Webb.

Webb said: "Jonathan is knowledgeable and well connected across every facet of British culture, from film to fine art, which complements Universal's view of a music-based entertainment company.  Of course, he has long been a champion of British music, especially British urban music, and his new role will see him combine his deep passion for music with his exceptional communication skills. We're delighted he is joining us."

Jonathan Badyal said: "After five special years in Westminster, where I had the privilege of working with Ministers Ed Vaizey and Matt Hancock to promote British creativity, it's a huge honour to be joining Universal Music – a global creative leader that consistently sets the standards for others to follow.

"I'm looking forward to working with its highly respected communications team to support the company's remarkable success across its rich roster of gifted artists and iconic labels and also to help shape its acclaimed community engagement that does so much to promote career pathways into music for talented people of all backgrounds.  It's a particularly exciting time for the British music industry, and a wonderful personal opportunity, and I simply can't wait to get started."