Chris Horton, SVP Strategic Technology, leads Universal Music Group’s Office of Strategic Technology, which is responsible for the technology aspects of digital partner deals and for long-term strategic technology projects and policy. Chris has worked on UMG’s digital distribution deals for more than 20 years, including on the first successful download and subscription services.

Chris and his team collaborate with technology companies on the development of new music-related products and services, including high-resolution audio, stem-based formats, music-related AI, NFTs & web3, AR/VR projects, anti-piracy and more. He has developed and co-founded various music industry standards and standards bodies, including DDEX. He currently coordinates UMG's AI Task Force and UMG's AI Review Team.

Chris received his undergraduate and M.Eng. degrees in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he focused on AI.