July 29, 2024 I Appointments
Universal Audio Expands Leadership Team
Dana Ruzicka
Universal Audio (UA) has welcomed seasoned leaders Dana Ruzicka and Ethan Kaplan to its executive team, both reporting to founder and CEO Bill Putnam Jr.
Ruzicka joins UA as a lifelong musician and accomplished leader with nearly 30 years of industry experience, most notably at Avid Technology where he held roles, including vice president of strategic alliances, vice president of product management, vice president of market solutions, senior vice president and general manager, and, finally, chief product officer.
“There’s no other industry I’d rather be in. Music creation has been my life’s creative passion,” Ruzicka said. “It’s an honor to be joining UA, where this same passion is shared by so many. There’s such a rich heritage here — and a very bright future ahead.”
Kaplan joins UA as a longtime leader in digital music technology, with 25 years creating digital transformations at Fender, Live Nation Labs, Warner Music Group, and most recently, leading AI investments at Smash Capital.
“Music changed my life, and continues to do so every day,” Kaplan said. “UA has always stood for the power of music to move people — a true enabler of joyful noise. To be part of a team fostering something so powerful is humbling and exciting.”
“Dana and Ethan are both experienced leaders with music industry success that speaks for itself,” Putnam Jr. said. “We have some big things coming at UA, and I’m thrilled to have them onboard to support our next phase of growth.”
