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Universal Audio Expands Leadership Team – Names New Chief Operating Officer and Chief Digital Officer
— Tech executives Dana Ruzicka (COO) and Ethan Kaplan (CDO) join Universal Audio (UA) to support its next phase of growth —
SCOTTS VALLEY, CA • July 23rd, 2024 — Universal Audio Inc. (UA), a worldwide leader in audio production tools, is pleased to welcome seasoned leaders Dana Ruzicka and Ethan Kaplan to its executive team, both reporting to founder and CEO Bill Putnam Jr.
Dana Ruzicka — COO
Dana 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 critical roles including Vice President of Strategic Alliances, Vice President of Product Management, Vice President of Market Solutions, Senior Vice President and General Manager, and Chief Product Officer.
“There's no other industry I'd rather be in. Music creation has been my life’s creative passion," says Ruzicka. "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.”
Ethan Kaplan — CDO
Ethan Kaplan joins UA as a longtime leader in digital music technology, with 25 years creating digital transformations at Fender Music, 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," says Kaplan. "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,” says Bill Putnam Jr., CEO of Universal Audio. “We have some big things coming at UA, and I’m thrilled to have them onboard to support our next phase of growth.”
Universal Audio (UA) is a pioneer in audio and music production tools, with a rich 60‑year history of craftsmanship and innovation. UA today enables millions of audio and music creators worldwide, with industry‑standard Apollo and Volt recording interfaces, UAD plug‑ins, UAFX pedals, advanced audio machine learning, LUNA recording suite, and UA Custom Shop hardware. UA is headquartered in Scotts Valley, California, with passionate employees worldwide — united by our goal of "Inspiring Sound for Generations."
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