Elliot Grainge, a successful entrepreneur and record executive, will serve as the undergraduate commencement speaker for Northeastern University in 2025.
The university announced this week that Grainge, a Northeastern graduate himself, will speak at the ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, May 11. The event is set to take place at Fenway Park in Boston.
Grainge currently holds the position of CEO at Atlantic Music Group. Atlantic holds a storied history in the music industry, launching careers for artists like Aretha Franklin and Led Zeppelin. More recently, the label has worked with artists such as Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars.
Before leading Atlantic, Grainge built his own independent record label, 10K Projects. He amassed dozens of platinum records and global hits through this venture.
His success with 10K Projects led to him being chosen to guide Atlantic Music Group’s next phase at the age of 30. His role involves steering a label established 77 years ago into the modern era.
University officials noted that Grainge's career trajectory from founding an independent label to leading a major group provides a relevant message for graduating students.
The university has been announcing speakers for its various ceremonies. Further speakers for graduate and college-specific events are expected to be named soon.
Grainge reflected on his selection, stating, "Returning to Northeastern to speak at commencement is really meaningful to me." He added, "This university and my experience in Boston in general helped shape not only the way I think about business and creativity but helped me build a foundation as an independent thinker and entrepreneur."
